ICOS statement on protest by international students and staff hit by college closures

International students, teachers and support staff hit by the most recent private college closures – now numbering 16 since April 2014 – have announced a protest in Dublin centre today. It will call for government support in the form of robust regulation of the sector and protection of student fees.

The Irish Council for International Students (ICOS) is issuing the following statement in relation to this initiative from students and staff of the affected schools:

ICOS Director Sheila Power commented:

“There has been no clear response from the Irish authorities to the growing crisis, which has gained fresh momentum in recent weeks with another spate of closures.”

“International students have sustained huge financial losses from a year of college closures. There can be little surprise that both students and staff are taking to the streets again to call for urgent action. ICOS would reiterate its call for rapid progress toward improved quality, robust regulation and protection of learner fees in the international education sector. ”

Organisers of the protest have posted details here:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1574610682791862/