Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 October 2018
60. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to ensure access to further education to leaving certificate students who are in direct provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42042/18]
View answerUnder the EU (recast) Receptions Conditions Directive which Ireland opted-in to earlier this year, international protection applicants who are waiting 9 months or more for a first instance recommendation from the International Protection Office, now have access to the labour market.
Following the op-in to the Directive, my Department set out arrangements for access to further education and training and higher education programmes. Applicants who have access to the labour market now have access to the full range of programmes in these sectors, including apprenticeships. It should be noted that there is no right to a place on any particular programme and that applications from international protection applicants are assessed in the same way as other applications.
Access to the majority of further education and training programmes is free of charge, but international fees continue to apply for Post Leaving Certificate and higher education courses.
Regarding leaving certificate students, Minister Bruton announced last month the continuation of the Pilot Student Support Scheme for those in the international protection system for the 2018/19 academic year. This pilot scheme was first introduced in 2015/16, and provides supports, including meeting any fee costs, in line with the current Student Grant Scheme. The scheme applies to eligible students pursuing Post Leaving Certificate programmes and undergraduate courses. To qualify for the scheme, applicants need to have spent 5 years in the Irish school system and have completed the leaving certificate.
