Foreign student families may be deported
At least three children attending Irish primary schools and their parents, who are visiting students, are facing deportation because the youngsters are being educated at State-funded schools.
The Garda National Immigration Bureau is threatening to have all three families deported because, under existing Irish law governing student visas, the children cannot avail of publicly-funded education.
Unless the children are now enrolled in private schools at their parents' expense, their parents' study visas will be revoked and the families will be forced to leave the country.
Last night Labour Party President, Michael D Higgins TD said the law amounted to 'a complete violation of the rights of the child'.
Deputy Higgins is to question the Taoiseach on the matter in the Dail next week, while representations are also being made to the government by a number of US senators.
The controversy was highlighted on Newstalk radio station's 'Breakfast Show' yesterday when it emerged that a 4-year-old boy attending the Claddagh National School, in Galway, was facing deportation.
The plight of little Aidan Britton emerged when his mother, Erin attempted to renew her student visa in order to complete her two-year masters degree course in medieval studies at NUI Galway.
Aidan's father, James had come to Ireland to see his family settled, but has since returned to the US.
Under current immigration laws in Ireland, international students cannot enroll their children in schools that receive public funding. Erin's student visa will now only be renewed if she transfers Aidan to a wholly private school.
Last night, it emerged that only one private school for primary-level children is operating in Galway. It is run by the Seventh Day Adventist Church.
Claddagh NS Principal, Brendan Forde said it appeared as if the child's human rights were now being violated.
Mr Forde added: "There are no private schools in the immediate area, so he cannot attend a school and that is a violation of his human rights.
"It seems very like David and Goliath, except that David has no sling".
Deputy Higgins revealed that he was aware of two further cases where students parents were being faced with the exact same dilemma.
"I believe this is a clear breach of the Constitution. I think Article 40.3.1 states that every child has a right to primary education," he said.
- Brian McDonald
