Menu
15/01/2016
Free English Lessons Announced For Refugees
Refugees living in Northern Ireland are to be offered free English lessons, the Employment and Learning Minister has announced.
Dr Stephen Farry said the measures are to ensure no one who comes to Northern Ireland seeking refuge from persecution or war is disadvantaged because of their immigration status.
He said: "The opportunity to learn English is, of course, critical in assisting asylum seekers and refugees to settle quickly and make a positive contribution to our economy and wider society.
"Last November, I put in place initial arrangements to make a positive contribution to the resettlement of Syrians granted humanitarian protection under the terms on the Home Office Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme by offering free English classes at further education colleges to those who want them. I took this decision because of the imminent arrival of the first group to resettle here.
"At the same time, in line with representations from those working with refugees, I initiated a review into arrangements for all refugees. Analysis indicates that demand for provision is relatively small so any additional costs will be affordable within the Department’s budget. In this context, I am pleased to be able to extend this opportunity to all of those with refugee status."
(CD)
Dr Stephen Farry said the measures are to ensure no one who comes to Northern Ireland seeking refuge from persecution or war is disadvantaged because of their immigration status.
He said: "The opportunity to learn English is, of course, critical in assisting asylum seekers and refugees to settle quickly and make a positive contribution to our economy and wider society.
"Last November, I put in place initial arrangements to make a positive contribution to the resettlement of Syrians granted humanitarian protection under the terms on the Home Office Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme by offering free English classes at further education colleges to those who want them. I took this decision because of the imminent arrival of the first group to resettle here.
"At the same time, in line with representations from those working with refugees, I initiated a review into arrangements for all refugees. Analysis indicates that demand for provision is relatively small so any additional costs will be affordable within the Department’s budget. In this context, I am pleased to be able to extend this opportunity to all of those with refugee status."
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 September 2021
Executive Agree To Resettle Fleeing Afghan Refugees
The Executive has agreed a number of measures to help vulnerable people fleeing Afghanistan and resettle in Northern Ireland. The First Minister and deputy First Minister are writing to PM Boris Johnson advising him of the Executive's commitment to assist with the humanitarian crisis by taking Afghan refugees arriving under resettlement schemes.
Executive Agree To Resettle Fleeing Afghan Refugees
The Executive has agreed a number of measures to help vulnerable people fleeing Afghanistan and resettle in Northern Ireland. The First Minister and deputy First Minister are writing to PM Boris Johnson advising him of the Executive's commitment to assist with the humanitarian crisis by taking Afghan refugees arriving under resettlement schemes.
30 March 2022
Free Public Transport Scheme Announced For Ukrainian Refugees
A temporary travel scheme has been announced to provide free public transport for Ukrainian refugees from their port of entry to their final destination.
Free Public Transport Scheme Announced For Ukrainian Refugees
A temporary travel scheme has been announced to provide free public transport for Ukrainian refugees from their port of entry to their final destination.
14 April 2021
Fire In Dungannon Leaves Car 'Completely Gutted'
An investigation has launched after a fire in Dungannon left a car "completely gutted". Police received a report of a fire in the Old English Road shortly before 11pm on Tuesday, 13 April. The PSNI attended the scene and are working to establish the cause of the fire. Police are appealing to anyone with information to contact them.
Fire In Dungannon Leaves Car 'Completely Gutted'
An investigation has launched after a fire in Dungannon left a car "completely gutted". Police received a report of a fire in the Old English Road shortly before 11pm on Tuesday, 13 April. The PSNI attended the scene and are working to establish the cause of the fire. Police are appealing to anyone with information to contact them.
10 November 2015
Investigation Launches After Armagh Family Harassed For Seven Months
Police in Armagh have launched an investigation after a family have been subjected to a number of attacks on their home over the past seven months. Paint and corrosives were thrown over the family car while it was parked in Lower English Street between the evening of 07 and the early hours of 08 November.
Investigation Launches After Armagh Family Harassed For Seven Months
Police in Armagh have launched an investigation after a family have been subjected to a number of attacks on their home over the past seven months. Paint and corrosives were thrown over the family car while it was parked in Lower English Street between the evening of 07 and the early hours of 08 November.
30 July 2012
Stormont 'Gobbledygook' Cuts People Off - Campaign
Stormont politicians use "gobbledygook" in official documents to put a wall between themselves and the public, the founder of the Plain English Campaign has said. The Belfast Telegraph newspaper sent four current consultation papers to Chrissie Maher, the woman who founded the campaign in the 1970s.
Stormont 'Gobbledygook' Cuts People Off - Campaign
Stormont politicians use "gobbledygook" in official documents to put a wall between themselves and the public, the founder of the Plain English Campaign has said. The Belfast Telegraph newspaper sent four current consultation papers to Chrissie Maher, the woman who founded the campaign in the 1970s.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
