A Wicklow schoolboy who was facing deportation to China has won the right to stay in Ireland following a year-long battle.
Bray lad Eric Zhi Ying Xue was born in Ireland and has spent all of his life here - never even once leaving the country.
His mother, Leena Mei Mei Xue, has been living in Ireland for 12 years but was served with a deportation order in 2015 after her application for residence was turned down.
An appeal against the decision was rejected last year which left the fifth class student facing deportation to a country where he would have no access to the health or education systems because he is not a Chinese citizen.
Over 55,000 people signed a petition started by Eric's school, St Cronan's in Bray, calling for the youngster to be allowed remain in the country of his birth.
The school shared the "fantastic news" this afternoon that it has now been confirmed by Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan that Eric will not be forced to leave the country.
The school said: "We would like to thank all the supporters of our petition and the Minister for Justice for granting both Eric and his mother leave to remain and live a normal life, safe in Ireland."
In an email to parents, school principal Maeve Tierney vowed to continue to fight for other children who are in similar situations to Eric.
She said: "Eric is safe from deportation and his future in Ireland is assured. What an amazing Christmas present for him!
"Thank you so much for helping to change a small boy's life.
"Since we started this petition, we've learned that there are children and families just like Eric all across Ireland.
"We need your help to make sure that ALL undocumented children know they are safe in Ireland.
"From Eric's friends, teachers and all at St Cronan's, thank you."
