Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 December 2025
1158. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the TrustEd assessments of language schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71477/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra1159. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of approved English language schools in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71478/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1158 and 1159 together.
I propose to take questions 71477 and 71478 together.The provision of English language education in Ireland is a broad and diverse sector with the vast majority of activity undertaken by privately owned education providers. While my Department does not collate data on English language schools, it is estimated that there are approximately over 100 English language schools currently operating in Ireland. Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), an agency under the remit of my Department, is currently introducing TrustEd Ireland – a new international education quality mark. TrustEd Ireland 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 TrustEd Ireland Mark will be awarded by QQI to higher education and English language education providers who have demonstrated that they meet new national standards to ensure a quality experience for international learners.
The new TrustEd Ireland scheme will establish, for the first time, a formal quality assurance process for the English language education sector in Ireland and will provide QQI with statutory powers to regulate this sector. QQI's first application cycle for providers seeking to obtain the TrustEd Ireland Mark opened on 14th October 2024 and closed on 28th March 2025. A total of 47 applications (30 higher education providers and 17 English language education providers) were received, and the assessment process is nearing completion. The second application cycle opened on 13th October 2025 and will run until 27th March 2026. A total of 56 providers expressed an interest in applying via the English language education pathway, with 8 providers indicating their intention to apply via the higher education pathway. The second cohort of successful providers will be authorised to use the Mark in 2027.
