Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2015
889. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will explore the possibility of education and training board institutions providing English language courses to international students over the summer months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20515/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraEducation and Training Boards (ETBs) receive funding from my Department, through SOLAS, to deliver English language tuition to speakers of other languages. In 2014, in the region of 11,000 participants availed of English language tuition in ETBs.
On 20th May 2015, the Government approved the implementation of a series of reforms to the student immigration system for international education. These reforms include new regulations for providers of English language programmes. Only those English language providers who can demonstrate that they have reached an acceptable quality standard will be permitted to appear on the list of eligible programmes for immigration purposes. All providers are being given an opportunity to do that.
It is open to any provider, including ETBs, to apply to be included in the list of eligible programmes for immigration purposes. ETBs must seek the written approval of my Department before providing a new programme or activity which is not considered to be within its core services.
