English language schools in Ireland are threatening legal action against the state over plans to force them to return to full-time in-person teaching by October 12.

Progressive College Network (PCN), the representative body for a number of English language schools, is considering the legal recourse amid mounting concern over rising Covid-19 cases and possible further lockdown measures.

PCN said that it fails to see how a Department of Further and Higher Education directive to third-level universities to deliver online or blended content is consistent with the new demand that English language education providers return to the classroom in the next week.

The Department of Justice contacted ELE schools in September demanding that English language students must return to in-person classes 15 hours per week by October 12 in order to fulfil visa requirements. However, PCN is urging the justice and education departments to reconsider, as the health and safety of students and teachers remains its top priority.

Progressive College Network has also highlighted that a reduction in class sizes may be necessary to comply with social distancing in some schools, while others would likely have hundreds of students within a single building.

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No additional funding has been made available to ELE schools to facilitate reopening and ensure the safety of teachers and students.

“It seems an obvious contradiction that English language schools are being forced to reopen while universities are asked to remain online – and it’s putting our teachers and students at great risk,” said  PCN chairman David Russell (pictured).

“The Department of Justice is making a grave error of judgement in ordering ELE schools to reopen by October 12, even as case numbers are continuing to rise. It’s frankly incredible that these demands are being placed on the ELE sector at such short notice, and with little regard for the safety of students, teachers and the wider public.

“This doublespeak on the issue – urging ELE schools to return to classes but allowing universities to adopt blended approaches – goes completely against public health advice to limit social contacts wherever possible.”

The Progressive College Network says it teaches c.3,500 international students annually.