O'Sullivan announces crackdown on 'rogue' colleges

Education Minister Jan O'Sullivan has announced a crackdown on "rogue" international language colleges.

The reforms put forward by the Departments of Justice and Education come after a number of colleges closed in recent months.

Under the new rules, schools will need to give a clear declaration of ownership and safeguard students' advance payments.

Minister O'Sullivan said the majority of language colleges followed good practice, and the Government would not allow Ireland's reputation to be damaged by a "rogue" few.

"There have been some (colleges) that have brought down the reputation of others, and put students in a very difficult situation," she said.

"We want to ensure there is a reputable sector and we protect those that do run a good school, and protect the reputation of Ireland and the students involved."

She said she would not allow the colleges to act as so-called "visa factories".