Will the Minister consider devising another way of informing intending emigrants of the dangers of entering the US illegally? A boy from my parish was seriously injured in the United States — he may die from that injury — and he could not get medical attention because he did not have insurance cover or social welfare. That is a serious matter for Irish people who enter the US illegally.

It is true to say that such a person would not have social welfare cover because he would not be legally entitled to work. My understanding is that for insurance purposes a social welfare number is not required in many of the states.

What about medical expenses?

A person may take out insurance cover against medical expenses without a social welfare number in some states.

Many students cannot afford that cover.

I accept that.