Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 December 2014
273. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the facilities that will be put in place to assist students affected by the closure of private colleges who wish to return to their home States but cannot afford to do so. [47168/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are no arrangements in place for funding return flights for students in this situation, arising from the closure of a private sector enterprise. As to the learner protection offered by immigration agents or consular assistance available from their embassy in Ireland or accredited to it I am not in a position to comment.
The International Organisation for Migration manages Ireland's Voluntary Assisted Return & Reintegration Programme. This programme is open to asylum seekers, irregular migrants, victims of trafficking and unaccompanied minors from non-EU countries who wish to return home voluntarily but do not have the financial means and/or the necessary documentation to do so. If a student is now unlawfully present in the State and in a particularly vulnerable situation they may be eligible for consideration under this programme.
