ICOS statement on the enactment of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance Bill

The Irish Council for International Students (ICOS) warmly welcomes the enactment of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) (Amendment) Bill 2018 which was signed by the President on 23 July having passed through both Houses of the Oireachtas earlier in the month. 

 Among the measures to be introduced, the new law will see tighter regulations for providers of English Language and Higher Education programmes to international students. The new law also provides for a new national ‘Learner Protection Fund’ which will offer greater protections to students in the event of sudden school closures or the cessation of specific learning programmes.   

 On foot of the passage of the new law, ICOS’ Executive Director Sarah Lennon, said, “We are delighted that this long-awaited legislation has finally been passed.  International students can now come to Ireland with greater reassurance that they will be protected, and the introduction of the International Education Mark will ensure that only providers that meet the highest standards will be allowed to offer programmes to international students. ICOS looks forward to working actively with the Department of Education and Skills, QQI and all the agencies that will be involved in the implementation of the new measures”.  

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