Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We certainly want to fix this and regulate the process as quickly as possible. That is why we announced the measures last year but, unfortunately, there was a court case taken and we had to address the issues raised by the decision of the court. It is important to reiterate that the vast majority of private providers of English language training in the State operate to a high standard. It is important to stress that and that we are talking about a small number. It is no consolation to the affected students that the vast majority of colleges operate to a high standard.

The organisation Marketing English in Ireland is the umbrella body that worked with the task force. It has been assisting genuine students in completing their studies by offering alternative courses at a significantly discounted rate. I acknowledge, as the Deputies noted, that those students very often just do not have the funds to even be able to accept those offers. With regard to insurance and protection, schools that are part of the Marketing English in Ireland group have arrangements in place for the protection of learners. That is something we are looking at with respect to the new provisions.

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