Skip to main content
Normal View

Asylum Seekers.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2004

Thursday, 19 February 2004

Questions (140)

Dan Boyle

Question:

136 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being experienced by asylum seekers undertaking courses in the further education sector, who cannot avail of the work experience component of their courses due to the uncertainty of their status; and the action he will take to clarify this situation. [5391/04]

View answer

Written answers

The arrangements to be applied to non-nationals who seek entry to programmes in the further education sector are set out in my Department's circular to VECs dated 27 September 2001. The circular states that asylum seekers with an entitlement to work, that is, those who entered the country before 26 July 1999, who have been waiting at least one year for a determination of their case and are in possession of a notification of their right to work from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform must be treated on the same basis as Irish nationals in terms of access to vocational training programmes within the further education sector. Asylum seekers who do not have an entitlement to work may avail of free access to adult literacy, English language and mother culture supports only.

Top
Share