Students In Asylum Protection System Can Now Access Student Supports & Continue Education

Minister Jan O'Sullivan

I welcome the announcement by Minister for Education, Jan O'Sullivan TD that from September 2015 students in the asylum protection system will have access to student supports previously unavailable to them after completing the Leaving Certificate.

This is a very welcome announcement for students in the asylum protection process who have completed their second level education and are seeking further opportunities in our education system. The opportunity to access student supports is crucial for this group of young people so that they may continue to develop the skill-sets necessary for employment, have hope for their future and one day pursue their goals.

In some cases and through no fault of their own, students have waited many years for their applications to be processed in the asylum protection system with their lives essentially placed on hold after completing their Leaving Cert.  I am delighted this matter is being addressed by the Minister but would urge that we find a solution to the long wait times for applications in the asylum protection process.

My colleague, Minister O'Sullivan has announced the access to supports for students in the asylum protection system on a pilot basis for the 2015/2016 academic year.  In order to access student supports the following criteria must be met:

• Meet the definition of a protection applicant or a person at leave to remain stage (other than those at the deportation order stage);
• Obtained their Leaving Certificate;
• Have been accepted on an approved Post Leaving Certificate course or an approved undergraduate course;
• Have attended a minimum of five academic years in the Irish school system, as at 31 August 2015; and
• Have been part of an application for protection or at leave to remain stage( other than those at deportation order stage) for a combined period of 5 years as at 31 August 2015.

Students who meet the criteria will be able to apply to the Department of Education and Skills from the 1st September 2015 with application forms and information available on the department website http://www.education.ie/en/.