Deirdre Clune
Question:139 Ms Clune asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if asylum seekers can access employment training schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19087/99]
Written Answers - FÁS Training Programmes.
On 26 July 1999, the Government decided to grant the right to seek work to asylum seekers who had been in the country for 12 months or more and who were still awaiting a determination of their application for refugee status. The Government decided that the new arrangement should also apply to those who had sought asylum here up to 26 July 1999, as soon as their application crosses the 12 month threshold. The people concerned must also have been complying with their obligations as asylum seekers.
Asylum seekers are not eligible for training schemes funded by FÁS. However, the current arrangements allow eligible asylum seekers access to employment opportunities in the labour market.