Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 January 2025
1722. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a PLC course can be attended by a person (details supplied) in the Institute of Further and Higher Education in Carlow, based on her residency status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1491/25]
View answerI welcome the Deputy’s question on this matter.
Access to further education and training (FET) courses for those who are not citizens of Ireland, other member states in the European Economic Area (EEA), the United Kingdom or Switzerland is dependent on their immigration status.
I note in the details provided that the person in question does not currently have an Irish Residency Permit. Therefore, based on the information provided by the Deputy, the person in question is not eligible to participate on FET courses.
While the FET sector have no desire to exclude the person in question, my Department must adhere to national guidelines established by the Irish Immigration Service. Regretfully, this Department cannot be of further assistance as Irish Residency Permits are a matter for the Department of Justice.
