Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 November 2016
47. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of second level students in the direct provision system; and the number of persons in the direct provision system that have completed second level education here. [33174/16]
View answerThe specific information requested by the Deputy in relation to the number of current second level students or the number who may have completed second level education while availing of State provided accommodation is not readily available. However at the end of October 2016, there were 163 children aged between 13 and 17 availing of accommodation provided by RIA. The education of these children is mainstreamed i.e. they may access free Primary and Post-Primary education and school transport in the same manner as the general population. Education in Ireland is compulsory from age 6 to 16 or until students have completed three years of second level (post-primary) education, whichever is the later date, under the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000.
