Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2015
372. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills if it is the case that six of the English language schools to close during 2014 and 2015 were accreditation and co-ordination of English language services-approved, and three were members of Marketing English in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16407/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraQuality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) operates ACELS (Accreditation and Co-ordination of English Language Services), which is a voluntary scheme that grants recognition to English language teaching organisations annually. I have been informed by QQI that of the English language schools which closed in 2014 and 2015, two held ACELS recognition at the time of closure. Two other English language schools had their ACELS recognition withdrawn prior to their closure during this period.
Regarding membership of Marketing English in Ireland (MEI), two English language schools which closed had previously held MEI membership but this was not renewed in either case by MEI for 2014. Therefore, I understand that none of the schools which closed in 2014 and 2015 was a current member of MEI at their time of closure.
