Adult Education.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 February 2010

Tuesday, 2 February 2010

Questions (545)

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

630 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the access to education that is available to adult asylum seekers; the Further Education and Training Award Council level courses for which they are eligible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4899/10]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (Deputy Seán Haughey)

Adult asylum seekers with a right to work are entitled to access further education programmes on the same basis as Irish nationals. This includes full-time programmes like the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS), Youthreach and Post-Leaving Certificate (PLC) as well as part-time programmes under the Back to Education Initiative (BTEI), Adult Literacy and Community Education. All of these programmes are provided at FETAC Levels 1-6 or equivalent and all participants, including asylum seekers, are entitled to avail of certification, where it is provided.

Adult asylum seekers without a right to work are entitled to free access to Adult Literacy and English as a Second Language (ESOL) courses as well as mother culture supports.