Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

I know people affected by that issue as well, particularly the children of Irish people who have worked abroad for years, for example, in Africa and whose children are Irish. When they return home, their children want to go to college here but the Department of Education and Skills has specific rules because it cannot discriminate in favour of people who are Irish.

Crosscare indicated the revised guidelines, which followed from the ongoing discussions between the Department and Safe-Home and Crosscare, were much improved and it welcomed their publication.

The other issue is that one of the reasons that appeals succeed is that by the time they are heard, it is clear that the applicants have settled in Ireland. When they first return, they may not have made their case as clearly as they should, whereas a few months later, it may be clear that they are staying.

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