The closure of seven international language schools in Dublin and Cork in the past year and the financial loss forced on dependent students reflect another failure of light touch regulation in Irish life. During the boom years, construction, banking and financial services were not the only “wild west” shows in town. A review of the language school sector has forced the Department of Justice to conclude that while most colleges were reputable educators, others acted as “little more than visa factories, willing to engage in the outright falsification of attendance records”.

Responses from Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald and Minister for Education Jan O'Sullivan have been muted. That is understandable, in view of efforts by previous governments to grow the sector, while failing to regulate it. Issues of economic interest and reputational damage are also involved. The sector is now worth an estimated €800 million a year to the economy but is vulnerable to competition from overseas. Ministers were happy to point out, in that regard, that the closure rate of language schools in Britain is much higher than here. It was cold comfort for affected students.

It would be wrong to blame faceless departmental inspectors for the mess that has arisen. It was known in official circles that certain colleges were charging uneconomic fees. But nothing was done because of government policy and the value of cheap student labour to business interests. “Visa factories” is an apt description. A clampdown may lead to further closures in the coming months. That, in turn, will cause disruption and financial loss to students, in spite of the introduction of ameliorating measures. Criminal investigations have been undertaken in some instances and new standards are being set for students and language schools. A register of colleges will be established next January, along with an enhanced inspection regime. Limits will be placed on student working hours. It should have happened years ago.