English Language Training Organisations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 June 2014

Tuesday, 17 June 2014

Questions (238)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

238. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on the work of the task force to protect students affected by the closure of private language schools; if it has determined the number of students that had not yet been satisfactorily accommodated either through placement or immigration extension; when the task force is expected to complete its work and issue a report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25569/14]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The Task Force referred to by the Deputy has met on four occasions to date. I would like to make clear that the immigration permissions of all affected students have been extended by the Department of Justice and Equality to allow them to continue to work in order to support themselves and also to allow them space to make alternative arrangements.

Approximately 2,000 students have been affected by the closures of the private colleges concerned, and several hundred have been accommodated by alternative providers. The Task Force has been working to put in place a system that seeks to make reasonable accommodation for the remaining students. It is anticipated that the Task Force will report to me and Minister Fitzgerald in the coming weeks.