The Government will not be able to refund fees to trainee pilots caught up in the closure of their course because it could mean other creditors demanding similar treatment — with a potential cost to the taxpayer of millions of euro.

The families of students on a pilot training course which folded earlier this month are to meet the Garda fraud squad tomorrow.

Former Pilot Training College students and their parents have asked the Government to ensure each individual trainee can finish their training without any additional cost.