Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 June 2014
482. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she is satisfied with the operation of a college (details supplied); if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this college is being closed down; the arrangements being made for students of the college to finish their degree courses; the way this will affect the visas of non-EU students attending this college; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27223/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department recently suspended a number of colleges from the issuance of visas and residence permissions following very serious allegations regarding the practices of these colleges. Since that date some of these colleges have been closed by their owners and I in tandem with the Minister of Education and Science have appointed a Student Taskforce to deal with the fall out of these closures for the affected students.
As part of this process the investigation by my Department into practices at these and other colleges continues. In this particular case INIS has been in contact with the owner of the institution regarding the issues that have arisen and I am informed that INIS has not been made aware by the owner of any intention to close the college. INIS will be in contact with the owner of this college shortly with a view to finalising the ongoing investigation.
