Written answers

Wednesday, 25 October 2017

Department of Education and Skills

Access to Higher Education

Photo of Thomas ByrneThomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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54. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to allow greater access for those in direct provision to access higher and further education. [44945/17]

Photo of Mary Mitchell O'ConnorMary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Persons in the protection process currently have access to a range of higher education provision under the arrangements for non-EU/EEA nationals (i.e. payment of full economic fee). In the further education and training sector, persons in the protection process can access adult literacy and English language provision free of charge.

A pilot student support scheme is currently in operation by my Department, to support students in the protection process who meet certain eligibility criteria. These include:

- Meet the definition of a protection applicant or a person at leave to remain stage (other than those at the deportation order stage);

- Obtained their Leaving Certificate;

- Have been accepted on an approved Post Leaving Certificate course or an approved undergraduate course;

- Have attended a minimum of five academic years in the Irish school system, as at 31 August 2017; and

- Have been part of an application for protection or leave to remain for a combined period of 5 years as at 31 August 2017.

Persons in the protection process may also access English language classes up to level 4 on the National Qualifications Framework. This provision is offered free of charge.

Access to higher and further education training courses that have an employment, vocational or workplace training component is currently not available to persons in the protection process.

As the Deputy may be aware, the question of access to the labour market by persons in the protection process is currently a matter before the courts; the response to which on behalf of the State, is being led by my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality. My Department will respond to the outcomes of these proceedings in terms of education provision, in due course.

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