Student immigration reforms promised
A package of reforms concerning student immigration system for international education is to be brought to Cabinet in the next two weeks.
The Department of Education has admitted that the recent closures of some private language colleges have highlighted what it calls "concerning practices" in parts of the sector.
The Department issued a statement on the issue this afternoon, following a protest in Dublin by up to 200 former students and teachers from now-closed language schools.
Protest organiser Ciara Lane said that greater Government regulation of the sector is essential.
"Students should be able to pay their fees without fear that the school will be closed and there are no repercussions and no way that they can get their fees back," said Ms Lane.
"Another one is more rigorous inspections. So immigration inspections that just look at student numbers and attendance just doesn't seem to be enough.
"What we need are regulations to be in place that will also take into account the viability of the businesses."
