Vol. 541 No. 5
98 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will consider allowing persons who have applied for asylum or a residency permit to participate in FÁS courses while their applications are being determined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23203/01]
Persons who are in the asylum process are not allowed by virtue of section 9(4) (b) of the Refugee Act, 1996 to take up employment in the State pending a determination on their application. Asylum seekers are not part of the labour force as such and, in these circumstances, it would not be appropriate to allow access to FÁS training courses which are designed to assist people with a legal entitlement to work in the country to get employment.
