Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 December 2015
315. Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice and Equality why a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1 has been refused access to the third-level graduate scheme despite having a 12-month work experience offer from a company; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42390/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn enhanced post study pathway for graduates has been available to non-EEA Students since October 2010 under which students graduating with an Irish accredited honours bachelor degree or higher can avail of a 12 month Graduate Scheme permission. This operates as an extension to their student permission and the holder can work full time during that period. Full details are published in the document entitled "Guidelines for Degree Programme Students" published on www.inis.gov.ie. Students who meet the above requirement and who are still within the 7 year overall limit for students in Ireland may avail of the Third Level Graduate Scheme starting on the date upon which they receive their exam results.
In the present case I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the student had already exceeded the 7 year limit and therefore was considered as an exception. The application was received on 3 July 2015 and, as an exceptional measure, an extension of her student permission was authorised on 25 November 2015. Correspondence has issued to the person in question granting her permission up to 27 November 2016.
