The coalition is cracking down on international colleges in Ireland, with a raft of new rules.

Over 16 English language schools have closed here over the past year - and the reforms are designed to protect our reputation in the education sector.

Among the changes will see the number of courses offering visas to overseas students slashed.

All English language programmes will have to prove they meet acceptable standards.

And there are plans to protect students' payments to avoid them being left out of pocket.

Protests were held earlier this month outside the immigration offices after the latest college closure in Galway.

Education Minister Jan O'Sullivan says the majority of language colleges follow good practice - but the government will not allow Ireland's reputation to be damaged.

Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast this morning, Ms O'Sullivan says one of the most important things is that there will have to be a compulsory learners' protection scheme, and a separate account facility to protect students' advance payments.

Originally posted at 7.33am