Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 May 2021
356. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Social Protection the current services, schemes and initiatives made available to resettled refugees in order for them to be able to further their education and training and integrate into the labour market and the fabric of society (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25483/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department participates fully in resettlement programmes, providing income support where appropriate and access to the Public Employment Service (PES) to assist and support in finding employment.
Labour market activation policies delivered by the PES are designed to assist people in finding employment For a person in receipt of a jobseeker payment, activation is delivered through an engagement and case management process in which customers are expected to use the supports offered such as education, training and employment support schemes to help them back into the workplace.
If a customer is in receipt of Daily Expenses Allowance (DEA) then they can avail of a voluntary public employment service. During these engagements an employment services officer can refer them to an appropriate Further Education and Training (FET) course if necessary.
In addition the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation & Science operates a student grant scheme for persons in the protection process or at the leave to remain (but not deportation order) stage. The scheme provides supports to qualifying students which are similar to those available in the statutory based Student Grant Scheme administered by SUSI.
To qualify for the Student Support Scheme for Asylum Seekers, prospective students have to meet a number of criteria, including a requirement to:
- meet the definition of a protection applicant or a person at leave to remain stage (other than those at the deportation order stage);
- have been accepted on an approved Post Leaving Certificate course or an approved undergraduate course; and
- have been part of an application for protection or leave to remain for a combined period of 3 years prior to 31 August of the first year of their course.
- have been resident in the State for a combined period of 3 years as at 31st August of their course.
Further information on the student grant scheme is available at https://www.gov.ie/en/service/e786a-student-grant-scheme-for-asylum-seekers/.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
