Mr. Brian Kealy:

I am unsure of the exact figure as some of the students do not give us that information. I estimate approximately 50% or a little more have managed to become pilots because they have obtained the fees for their training by hook or by crook. There is a perception that many of these students come from very well-off families. The vast majority of families with whom we have interacted in this regard took out extra mortgages or used redundancy moneys and in some cases the students themselves had saved up for years to be able to afford the training.

There were probably a couple who had sufficient funds and did not have to remortgage or mortgage themselves to the hilt. Unfortunately, a range of students, whom we have become aware of from the Facebook group, have been unable to carry on. One chap got a job since working in the airport in order that he could be near planes. He cannot afford to be a pilot.