Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 630: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the access to education that is available to adult asylum seekers; the Further Education and Training Award Council level courses for which they are eligible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4899/10]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Adult asylum seekers with a right to work are entitled to access further education programmes on the same basis as Irish nationals. This includes full-time programmes like the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS), Youthreach and Post-Leaving Certificate (PLC) as well as part-time programmes under the Back to Education Initiative (BTEI), Adult Literacy and Community Education. All of these programmes are provided at FETAC Levels 1-6 or equivalent and all participants, including asylum seekers, are entitled to avail of certification, where it is provided.

Adult asylum seekers without a right to work are entitled to free access to Adult Literacy and English as a Second Language (ESOL) courses as well as mother culture supports.