Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 May 2021
380. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to help vulnerable migrant job seekers, including asylum seekers, to access the workplace; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27665/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraLabour market activation policies delivered by the Public Employment Service (PES) of my Department are designed to assist people in finding employment. Public employment services are available to International protection applicants with permission from the Department of Justice to access the labour market.
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.
Customers may also 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.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
