Dun Laoghaire TD Richard Boyd Barrett has warned that hundreds of students in language schools around the country are living in cramped conditions with no supports during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The People Before Profit representative said he was raising the issue at a briefing with the Minister for Education this evening.

It comes after an online survey among hundreds of students found that less than 1% had been offered money back after their language courses were cancelled due to the shutdown.

Some had paid up to €6,000 for eight months of language classes.

Richard Boyd Barrett outside Leinster House today ahead of a People Before Profit meeting with Sinn Féin, 12-02-2020. Image: Leah Farrell/RollingNews

Visa

Under the short-term study visa, students are allowed to live and work in Ireland provided they pay for their course in full before applying.

According to the survey, only 12.5% have been granted access to the Covid-19 Pandemic Payment, with many rejected because they have not yet worked in Ireland, do not have a PPS or GNIB number or have not been registered with Revenue by their employer.

Going to Gov briefing on Education & #Coronavirusireland now. Will raise concerns about students in EFL schools. Hundreds of students that paid huge fees, no classes, no refunds & without money, many living in overcrowded unsafe conditions @emma_okelly @KittyHollandIT @pb4p

— Richard Boyd Barrett (@RBoydBarrett) April 1, 2020

COVID-19

English language teacher Fiachra Ó Luain said some are living in houses with up to 20 people and are not able to self-isolate because they share bedrooms.

One-in-five say they are living with someone who has symptoms of COVID-19.

Over half were unaware of the three-month ban on evicitons announced by the Government and some have already been evicted because they could not pay the rent.

Others are unable to return home because landlords are refusing to return deposits until they find a replacement housemate.

The vast majority are from Latin America, with over a third from Brazil.

Frightened

Deputy Boyd Barrett said those who arrived after January 2020 warned that many have a very poor level of English and are frightened and vulnerable.

He said he was calling on Education Minister Joe McHugh to step in and help.

He has also appealed to the Department of Social Protection provide support to them.