AQW 27978/22-27 Written question to the Minister for the Economy
To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she will commit to revising the Skills Strategy for Northern Ireland, to explicitly include the needs of (i) refugees; (ii) asylum seekers; and (iii) English for speakers of other language learners, in line with the Draft Refugee Integration Strategy’s priority outcomes on inclusive access to education and employment pathways.
Asked by Kate Nicholl MLA on 2 June 2025
- Answered
- Written
- After due date
- Tabled
- 2 June 2025
- Answer due by
- 17 June 2025
- Answered
- 24 June 202522 days after tabling
- Department
- Department for the Economy
- Priority question
- No
Answer
I do not intend to revise the Skills Strategy as my focus is on the development of the Skills Action Plan which I intend to publish shortly.
However, my Department recognises that the ability to speak the English language is a key enabler for integration into society and as such offers free ESOL provision via the further education college network to a number of vulnerable groups, including refugees and asylum seekers.