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Further and Higher Education

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 September 2021

Tuesday, 21 September 2021

Questions (452)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

452. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the options returning citizens from outside of the EU can avail of regarding upskilling and or further education. [44629/21]

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Written answers

There are many upskilling and further education options that Irish citizens returning from outside the EU can avail of.

Further education and training (FET) is open to all Irish citizens who want to learn new skills or enhance existing skills to get the right job, progress to third-level or to support the achievement of personal goals; though some programmes and courses may hold specific educational or vocational requirements for entry.

Delivered primarily by the 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs) across the country, FET provision is available nationwide on a full, part-time or blended, basis including evenings, weekends and online, to suit the lives of learners of all ages and from all backgrounds. Courses are largely free or are heavily subsidised.

Provision includes an extensive range of training and upskilling options which span Levels 1-6 of the National Framework of Qualifications across the following occupational areas - Agriculture, forestry, fisheries and veterinary, arts and humanities, business and administration and law, education, engineering, manufacturing and construction, health and welfare, information and communication technology, natural sciences, mathematics and statistics, personal services, social sciences, journalism and information.

National initiatives include specific provision for learners in employment - Skills to Advance as well as opportunities for upskilling and reskilling for people affected by the Pandemic - Skills to Compete. Available courses can be viewed on the national FET platform, www.fetchcourses.ie.

I would recommend that citizens returning to Ireland from outside the EU contact their local Education and Training Board. Each ETB has a dedicated Adult Education Guidance Service that provides guidance to FET learners and potential learners before, during and after FET training. The service is confidential and free of charge and can advise individuals of programmes and supports that may be available to them as well as advise on the application process.

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