AQW 44442/22-27

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 21/04/2026
Answered On Date: 29/04/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy, since it is central to the Refugee Integration Strategy, to detail how she will ensure an adequate number of English for Speakers of Other Languages classes, given increasing demand.

Answer:

My Department works collaboratively with The Executive Office (TEO), as the lead for the Refugee Integration Strategy, and other departments and organisations, to provide signposting and support to new asylum seekers and refugees who require English language provision to help them integrate into society.

All six Further Education (FE) colleges offer free English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) provision to a number of vulnerable groups, including refugees and asylum seekers. However, as non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs), FE colleges are responsible for planning their own academic provision, including ESOL courses.