Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 June 2013
21. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will ensure that young persons who are resident in Ireland for many years are issued with a Stamp 4 leave to remain rather than a Stamp 4 leave to remain IBC to enable them to avail of access to student grants and payment of registration fees and to enter third level education rather than being on the dole. [28228/13]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that the categories of non-EEA nationals who qualify for educational supports are determined by the Department of Education and Skills. It is for that Department and the bodies operating under its aegis to decide on the criteria that must be satisfied before any educational support can be made available. Neither I, as Minister, nor my Department have any function in such matters.
Insofar as the Immigration Service is concerned the granting of an Immigration Stamp 4 denotes that the holder has an immigration permission to be in the State and the right to work without the need for an Employment Permit. It does not confer on the holder an entitlement to any particular public service or funding. Such matters are determined by the relevant Government Departments or State agencies. Accordingly, it would be highly irregular for my Department to re-categorise the basis on which any Immigration Stamp was granted in circumstances where the sole objective is to circumvent the eligibility criteria for access to State services or supports set down by another Government Department.
