Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2026
1063. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason TrustEd applications were invited and processed before final PEL requirements were published and costed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4429/26]
View answer1064. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when full PEL details will be published; if he will provide the details of the cost structure for schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4430/26]
View answer1065. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if further TrustEd rounds will be paused until all remaining regulatory elements are fully finalised and transparent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4431/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1063, 1064 and 1065 together.
The Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) (Amendment) Act 2019 has provided the legislative underpinning for a range of new statutory functions to strengthen Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) as a regulator of Higher, Further, and English language education.
On 1 September 2024, all remaining provisions of this Act were commenced including those giving effect to Due Diligence assessments, a new Protection of Enrolled Learners (PEL) scheme underpinned by the establishment of a Learner Protection Fund (LPF), and the TrustEd Ireland – International Education Mark.
This commencement was accompanied by a number of Ministerial Regulations detailing the fees and charges for these functions as well as setting out key criteria for Due Diligence and the operational arrangements for the new LPF. In parallel QQI published guidance on these new functions as well as hosting regular information webinars for providers interested in applying for the TrustEd Ireland quality mark. QQI’s guidance material can be found here: www.qqi.ie/what-we-do/quality-assurance-of-education-and-training/what-is-trusted-ireland.
The TrustEd Ireland quality mark is a key pillar of the Government’s policy for international education, as set out in Global Citizens 2030: Ireland’s International Talent and Innovation Strategy to 2030. The mark is intended to promote confidence, both nationally and internationally, in the quality of the Irish education system. It will ensure that international learners enrolled with higher education and English language education providers are protected and receive a quality, consistent learning experience. On 14 October 2024, QQI opened the first application window for providers seeking to obtain the TrustEd Ireland mark. By the submission deadline of 28 March 2025, applications were received from 30 Higher Education providers and 17 English language education providers. The assessments of these applications are nearing completion with the first cohort of higher education providers to be authorised by QQI shortly.
The second application cycle opened on 13th October 2025 and will run until 27th March 2026. 56 providers have expressed an interest in applying via the English language education pathway with eight further providers indicating their intention to apply via the higher education pathway. The cohort of successful providers from this cycle will be authorised to use the Mark in early 2027.
The new Due Diligence function enables QQI to assess a provider's capacity and capability to deliver programmes of education and training consistent with the quality assurance processes and procedures required by the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012. QQI is responsible for undertaking due diligence assessments of all English language education providers and all non-exempt private/independent Higher Education and Further Education providers. This function is being introduced on a phased basis with the first cohort to undergo assessment being those providers engaging with QQI for the first time including English language education providers currently applying for the TrustEd Ireland mark.
The new PEL scheme underpinned by the LPF is being introduced to ensure that, in the case of a sudden provider closure or where a provider is no longer being able to offer a programme to enrolled learners, stronger protections are in place. The introduction of the LPF is to ensure that QQI will have sufficient resources to manage PEL events, enabling where possible and appropriate the teaching out of programmes, the transfer of learners to similar programmes with another provider, or the refund of most recently paid fees. The first cohort of providers that will be subject to this new scheme are those engaging with QQI for the first time including the English language education providers who will be authorised to use the TrustEd Ireland mark. Providers who have pre-existing statutory PEL arrangements in place with QQI will transfer to this new scheme over the course of a transition period as set out under the Act which must expire no later than 1 September 2027.
At the launch of the TrustEd Ireland scheme, held in September 2024, noting concerns raised by providers in respect of the new Learner Protection Fund, it was announced that my Department would undertake a further consultation with sectoral providers and stakeholders in relation to the Fund. My Department appointed Grant Thornton to assist in this undertaking with the consultants undertaking a detailed consultation and data collection exercise with providers and stakeholders. Based on this process, Grant Thornton prepared a report detailing its findings and recommendations for consideration. Providers can expect further engagement from Department officials and QQI in the near future to inform them of its outturn.
