Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 January 2024
421. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Justice the supports available to enable international protection applicants, long-time resident in direct provision centres, to undertake courses of study to acquire skills that will be useful to enable them to find employment if their applications are approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2440/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, overall responsibility for third 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).
I can, however, advise the Deputy that International protection applicants can access third level education with the assistance of the International Protection Student Scheme while they await a final decision on their application. DFHERIS has overall responsibility for the operation of the Scheme and the Scheme is administered by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) on their behalf.
