Many colleges are advertising themselves as being fully-bonded. What does this mean? If you're contemplating enrolLing in a private college you would be wise to check the small print of the bonding agreement carefully.

Portobello College says that it has set up a trust fund - Portobello College Holdings - "which will ensure that the college, teachers and students will operate completely normally until those in first year have completed their degree programme."

Griffith College has set up a special trust which will ensure that, in the event of college failure, students will be able to complete their courses in the college with their existing lecturers.

The American College says it is fully bonded through its parent college, Lynne University, in Florida, and that students would be able to complete their courses.

LSB College says it is in the process of incorporating the LSB Education Funding Trust which will ensure the continuity of courses. Students will also be able to transfer to other HECA colleges. The Dublin Business School has established the Dublin Business School Students Trust Company which, the college says, will ensure that courses will be seen through to completion. Students who choose to transfer to other HECA colleges will be able to do so.