An Irish family facing deportation from Australia because their son has cystic fibrosis have won their battle to stay in the country.

Christine and Anthony Hyde and their three-year-old son Darragh have been granted residency in Australia after the Immigration Minister David Coleman intervened in their case.

The last minute intervention came after public outcry over the Hyde’s plight with over 120,000 people signing a petition calling for the family to be allowed to stay.

In a blog post last night (Friday), Christine Hyde confirmed the news.

“Thank you to everyone who supported us,” she wrote.

“Late yesterday evening we received the good news that we were granted residency.

“We are so excited, a huge weight has been lifted and we can continue our lives. We will are completely grateful to everyone”

Three-year-old Darragh Hyde. Image: Change.org

Residency

Anthony and Christine Hyde’s application for permanent residency had been refused because the Australian government deemed three-year-old Darragh’s illness to be a burden on taxpayers.

Christine works as assistant principal at a local primary school in Seymour, southern Australian and Anthony works as a bus driver.

The couple appealed their case to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) and were given fresh hope when the tribunal recommended their case be considered for ministerial intervention.

The family’s bridging visa was originally due to expire on June 18th but they were granted an extension until September to allow the Immigration Minister to review their case.

Local support

The Hydes, who left Ireland for Australia 10 years ago, received huge support from the local community in Seymour where local politicians rallied behind their bid to remain down under.

The Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews threw his support behind their case saying “They’re effectively Aussies.”

Christine and Anthony Hyde applied for permanent residency in 2015 before Darragh was born.

Shortly after his birth, the toddler was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis and their application was rejected on the basis that his illness would be a burden on the state.

The family argued that Darragh’s condition is mild and have doctors reports to back that up.

They also argued that Darragh is Australian born and therefore should not be deported.

“Darragh is Australian –he was born in Australia and has never set foot out of Australia.  He’s never been to Ireland.  It’s really unfair,” explained Christine.

A child born in Australia does not automatically become a citizen unless their parents are already citizens. They cannot apply for citizenship until they are 10 years old.

Reporting from Aine Hegarty in Australia