Eric Byrne (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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151. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the closure of English language schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36783/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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The English language school referred to by the Deputy ceased trading with effect from 1 May 2015.

While I have every sympathy for the affected students and teachers who have lost money when this school closed, the relationship between students, teachers and English language schools is based on a private contract. In such instances there is no obligation on my Department or the State to provide refunds to students or to reimburse teacher salaries.

Since the relevant language school is registered as a private limited company, the issue of recouping unpaid teacher wages is a matter for the Workplace Relations Commission. Decisions concerning possible prosecution of the Directors of this school is a matter for the Gardaí and the Director of Public Prosecution.

The Deputy may be aware that Government approved a series of reforms to the student immigration system for international education on 20 May 2015. This new package of reforms includes a number of specific measures to protect international students and to address the issues which have arisen in the context of the school closures including compulsory learner protection arrangements, a separate account facility to safeguard student advance payments and new requirements regarding school ownership. These reforms are currently being implemented by the Department of Justice and Equality in conjunction with my Department.