Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
864. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice if asylum seekers can engage in third level programmes or apprenticeships if they have a permit to work but are waiting for their asylum application to be granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27320/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, overall responsibility for 3rd level education in the State and for the operation of the apprenticeship system lies with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS).
In relation to my Department’s responsibility to provide labour market access to International Protection Applicants, I can confirm for the Deputy that an applicant may avail of vocational training as per Section 11 (11) (a) & (b) of the European Communities (Reception Conditions) Regulations 2018 – SI No. 30 of 2018.
As per section 11 (11) the Regulations an applicant who holds a labour market permission shall be entitled to avail of vocational training —
(a) subject to subparagraph (b), in the like manner and to the like extent in all respects as an Irish citizen,
(b) and (b) in the case of vocational training relating to an employment contract, to the extent to which the training relates to an occupation in which the applicant may, by virtue of the permission, be employed or self-employed.
Additionally, any international protection applicant can access third level education with the assistance of the International Protection Student Scheme while they await a final decision on their application. The DFHERIS has overall responsibility for the operation of the Scheme and the Scheme is administered by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) on their behalf.
Further information on the Scheme can be found at: www.gov.ie/en/service/e786a-student-support-scheme-for-asylum-seekers/.
Further information on the apprenticeship system in Ireland can be found at: www.gov.ie/en/service/b9760-how-to-become-an-apprentice/.
