Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

Yes. The Deputy is incorrect. I have no doubt that if the person concerned brings the case to court, it will vindicate the position of the Government. To reiterate, it is not a question of a child's entitlement while here but rather whether the child and his or her parents should in the circumstances be here in the first place. I understand the immigration authorities are looking at the matter with a view to making an exception to cover the current school year so as not to disadvantage the children concerned in this case. This would be on a strictly limited basis and any adult student wishing to stay beyond the end of the school year would be required to adhere strictly to whatever conditions were in force at the time. I also understand the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has general concerns regarding the operation of the student immigration sector and the level of abuse of student permissions and that it is his intention to outline policy changes early in the new year.

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