To ask the Minister for the Economy whether her Department has assessed the long-term economic impact of failing to provide sufficient (i) English language education; (ii) training; and (iii) qualifications, to young asylum seekers and refugees.

My Department recognises the critical role that skills including language proficiency play in driving economic growth. This aligns with my ‘Good Jobs’ economic priority which focuses on:

quality employment opportunities

upskilling the workforce

ensuring inclusive access to jobs across the North of Ireland

There is a wide breadth of English language provision available through Further Education colleges. Additionally, in recent years my Department has secured funding from the British Home Office to deliver targeted programmes equipping asylum seekers and refugees with key skills needed to progress in education and employment.