Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 9 September 2024
1181. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Justice her views on the 120- to 150-day waiting period for those waiting for labour market access letters to access further education and her plans to ensure that those waiting on such letters will be enabled to upskill in relevant institutions. [35357/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, overall responsibility for third level education in the State lies with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS).
I can, however, advise the Deputy that International protection applicants can access third level education with the assistance of the International Protection Student Scheme while they await a final decision on their application. DFHERIS has overall responsibility for the operation of the Scheme and the Scheme is administered by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) on their behalf.
There is no requirement for International Protection applicants to apply for a labour market access permission from the Department of Justice to access third level education.
