Siptu: Ireland could suffer ‘reputational damage’ due to language school problems

Trade union Siptu has called for colleges catering for foreign students to be ‘stress-tested’ following the uncertainty over one Dublin facility which has closed unexpectedly for two weeks.

Leinster College on Dublin’s Harcourt St remained closed yesterday after a notice posted on its website late on Monday said it would not reopen until November 7 due to a “weak financial position”.

The 255 students and 25 staff were also told to await an update on October 31.

Yesterday a former teacher at the school claimed some teachers had gained access to the premises in Dublin 2 with the landlord and gardaí and found that everything of value had been removed.

Siptu said it heard claims from students last week they were being urged to pay any outstanding fees. A protest by students and teachers — who say they are owed a month’s wages — will take place today while Siptu is holding a meeting at 11am on Saturday in Liberty Hall to discuss the future of language schools.

Siptu education sector organiser Louise O’Reilly, said there were fears that Leinster College might not reopen. Attempts to contact the directors to gain clarity on the situation had been unsuccessful. Ms O’Reilly said students may be able to recoup fees and staff had a right to due wages.