Carol Nolan (Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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240. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students from direct provision that have been offered places in higher education through the specific pathway offered by his Department each year since it was established; the number that have applied each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17813/17]

John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)
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The pilot support scheme which commenced in 2015, is targeted at three main categories of student i.e. asylum seekers, subsidiary protection applicants and leave to remain applicants. The scheme does not distinguish between persons in direct provision and those who choose to live outside of the direct provision centres.

There were 54 applications to the Pilot Support Scheme - 39 for 2015/16 and 15 for 2016/17. 2 students qualified for support under the scheme in 2015/16 and a further 2 students qualified in 2016/17.

The scheme is reviewed on an annual basis. It will be reviewed again in advance of the 2017/18 academic year.