Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 May 2017
119. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills his Department’s role in the regulation of an association (details supplied) in particular the leaner protection scheme of the association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24927/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMarketing English in Ireland (MEI) is a private association of English language schools and is not subject to regulation by my Department.
ACELS (the Accreditation and Coordination of English Language Services) is a voluntary national scheme responsible for the recognition and inspection of English language providers. It is administered by Quality and Qualifications Ireland. ACELS recognised providers are required to have protection for enrolled learner policies in place. ACELS recognition is a requirement for membership of MEI.
In addition, all English language providers which are listed on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes - the list of education programmes considered to justify the granting of permission to students to live and work in Ireland - are required to have mandatory protection for enrolled learner policies in place. The ILEP is administered by the Department of Justice and Equality in association with my Department.
