Joan Freeman (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Like everyone, I thank the delegation for its presentation. I will admit to a truth - my mind must be narrow, as I had no idea that being undocumented was not the same as being asylum seekers or refugees. I am sorry about that. I should have been aware of it because my other half works with the undocumented Irish in New York. As such, I know the horrendous problems that the witnesses have mentioned.

Please forgive my ignorance if it is the case, but if undocumented people can access certain elements, for example, their PPS numbers, services and so on, what number cannot access third level education? Are there children who can access it and, if so, is it because their parents have PPS numbers? I would like more clarity on the figures. In some respects, the undocumented seem to be okay. In New York, if an undocumented person has a broken tail light and is caught by the police, he or she can be deported immediately. Is the same the case here? I am unsure of the legal aspect.

Are schools aware that the children are undocumented and what is their attitude to that? What sorts of service can the children access? Can they access mental health services? Is the MRCI afraid to let services know that these people are undocumented?