Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 May 2014
33. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he is taking to ensure that international students left stranded as a result of the recent closure of a number of international language schools can continue their education and be recompensed for the cost of discontinued courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23369/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra45. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills his response to the closure of international language schools; the measures he is putting in place to address same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23378/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra50. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Education and Skills the measures he is putting in place following the closure of a number of international language schools; the way he plans to help the students affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23384/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 33, 45 and 50 together.
The Minister for Education and Skills and the Minister for Justice and Equality have established a Task Force to urgently examine the issues raised by the closure of a number of private colleges. The Task Force is chaired by the two Departments and includes representatives from QQI, Enterprise Ireland and City of Dublin Education and Training Board as well as representatives of the private high-quality higher education and English language sectors and the Irish Council for International Students (ICOS). This Group is charged with assessing the scale of the issue and, in particular, the number of genuine students who have not yet been accommodated. It will also determine what capacity is available in the sector to make accommodation for students and will oversee a system that seeks to make such accommodation.
The co-chairs of the Task Force have been asked to make an interim report by this Friday.
