Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As stated, I will not be quite so adversarial in my approach. I am completely sympathetic to the plight of the students involved. It is they who are the victims in all of this. I commend Mr. Moore and his organisation on the efforts they are making on their behalf.

What does ICOS see as being the specific role of the Department of Education and Skills in respect of this sector? This whole sorry saga reminds me very much of what happened in the travel industry previously. Thankfully, the problems by which that industry was affected have been resolved. Similar problems appear to be afflicting private colleges. It strikes me that the issue which arises is one of a consumer rights nature and that it is not really relevant to the Department of Education and Skills. Mr. Moore referred to compassion and people's need to see the face behind the e-mail. With respect, while these might appear to be important, I am of the view that people need more than compassion and to be able to see the face of the person sending the e-mail. Will Mr. Moore indicate specifically what he believes the Department of Education and Skills should do into the future?