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English Language Training Organisations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 June 2014

Tuesday, 17 June 2014

Ceisteanna (558)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

558. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Justice and Equality regarding the recent closures of languages schools and the residential status of those impacted, if any temporary measures are in place for people who had paid their fees and were awaiting a certificate from the college to show they were a student, but never received the certificates because the school closed, and now their visas have expired and cannot be renewed without a certificate to show they are attending classes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25511/14]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Following the recent closure of a number of private sector English language colleges, my Department has responded by publicly reassuring all affected students that their immigration permissions will not be adversely affected by the closures. All affected students are considered to be on an academic holiday until 1 September next. For those students whose immigration permission has lapsed, my Department is working with the Irish Council for Overseas Students (ICOS) to arrange for their permissions to be extended to 1 September.

In addition, my colleague, the Minister for Education and Skills, and I have established a task force to assist genuine students affected by these private sector college closures. Jointly chaired by the Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Justice and Equality, the task force’s first priority is to establish the number of genuine students affected by the closure of private sector colleges in recent weeks, how many students have been accommodated in other colleges within the sector and what more can be done to assist international students. The work of the task force is at an advanced stage.

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