AN interim examiner was appointed to the Advanced Technology College in Merrion Square, Dublin, by the High Court yesterday.
Mr Justice Kelly appointed Mr Ruairi O'Farrell as interim examiner. The case was returned for March 21st, when the petition for the appointment for an examiner is expected to be heard.
The judge said yesterday that the petitioners were a group of students. All but four of them had paid full fees ranging from £1,200 for part-time students to £2,500 to £5,000 for full-time students.
In recent days, it became clear that the company was insolvent. The court could not but have sympathy for the students as there was enough stress involved in the preparation for examinations, without having to contend with further problems.
Earlier Dr Michael Forde SC, for the students, said the secured creditor, the National Irish Bank, had indicated it was not opposing the application and neither was the Revenue, the directors nor the shareholders.
It would seem the City and Guilds had changed their deadline for applications for exams and fees. He understood it was not now next Tuesday, but in two weeks' time.
The evidence was that the company was potentially viable as a trading operation. He was not aware of any order for the winding up of the company.
Dr horde said there was a potential investor ready to put money into the company. The investor did not want to be identified at this stage.
Dr Forde said that if the interim examiner was appointed he would be able to keep the business ticking over for two weeks. Courses could re-open as staff were supportive of the students. If no interim examiner was appointed classes would cease.