Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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100. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the audit undertaken to assess the skill or educational levels obtained by asylum seekers and refugees in their home country prior to registering for asylum and residency status; if she will provide such skills data if available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6869/17]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I understand that the Deputy is enquiring as to whether a skills audit is carried out in respect of those protection applicants in the direct provision system at the time when they apply for protection in the State.

The procedure involved when a protection application is set down in national legislation in accordance with best international standards and is aimed at establishing whether an applicant is entitled to international protection or not. Accordingly, the type of audit referred to by the Deputy does not form part of the procedure. The Deputy should be aware however, that international protection applicants who, following the application process, are granted refugee status, are supported in various ways by my Department, and other Departments and State Agencies, in terms of integrating into the community. In this regard those who are granted refugee or subsidiary protection status or permission to remain in Ireland are provided with a comprehensive guide to living independently and can avail of information sessions organised in direct provision centres with the support of the Citizens Information Service.

Notwithstanding the above, the Deputy will be aware that the provision of education services is not a function of my Department.