English language school ordered to maintain ‘untouchable’ account for student refunds

An English-language school has been ordered to maintain an “untouchable bank account” for the protection of refunds of fees paid by students who have been unable to obtain visas to attend classes in Ireland. Barrister Eoin Morris told Judge Denise Brett on Monday that Erin College, which has outlets in Dublin and Cork, along with a second school, Limerick Language Centre, could face closure if not restored to a Department of Education programme (ELIP) that allows it to sell English courses to foreign students requiring study visas. Morris, who appeared for both colleges, said it was alleged there had been a huge increase in the refusal of study visas, which had led to many students being unable to get into Ireland to take up classes they had already paid for and now requiring refunds.He sa