AQW 27979/22-27

Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 02/06/2025
Answered On Date: 13/06/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail what coordination exists between her Department and other Executive departments, to ensure young asylum seekers and refugees, aged between 16 and 24, can access appropriate and timely education and skills development, in line with the Draft Refugee Integration Strategy.

Answer:

My Department recognises the importance of a coordinated approach to support young asylum seekers and refugees in accessing education and skills development opportunities. I am committed to working with other Executive Departments to ensure the Refugee Integration Strategy is implemented effectively.

My officials have actively contributed to the development of the Refugee Integration Strategy, from initial planning stage through to the development of the outcomes for the delivery framework.

As part of the delivery framework, my Department is currently leading the development of an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) policy to align with the Refugee Integration Strategy. Executive Departments and relevant sectoral partners are represented on the Policy Advisory Group.