Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 February 2018
297. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the provisions being put in place in terms of access to schools (details supplied) in County Monaghan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4989/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTusla Educational Welfare Service (EWS) has advised my Department that it works with the Emergency Reception and Orientation Centres (EROC) throughout the country supporting the provision of education of the children in these centres. The Educational Welfare Officers assigned to the EROC centres work closely with the Educational Welfare Officers in the receiving counties to ensure that applications to schools are made in a timely manner and all children have school places in advance of moving to their new homes.
The EWS also work at a local level with the Steering Committees in the EROCs and Resettlement Committees throughout the country.
With regard to supports for those who wish to participate in third level education, the Department of Education and Skills has advised that the statutory based student grant scheme (the SUSI grant) is the main source of support available for full-time students attending Post Leaving Certificate (PLC), undergraduate and post graduate courses.
Under the terms of the statutory based student grant scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
Other supports are available to students however, these can vary depending on the college and course attended. Prospective students should contact the local access office in the relevant institution for details of the various supports available.
