Written Answers. - Education of Refugees.
Liz O'Donnell
Question:
84
Ms O'Donnell
asked the
Minister for Education
the criteria laid down for the education and, in particular, the provision of continuing language classes for refugees outside normal school age, that is post-leaving cert; the person responsible for the provision of those classes; to whom is that agency or person accountable; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[1738/94]
The main body of refugees for whom English language classes are organised are from Vietnam and the former Yugoslavia.
The criteria laid down for the English language learning needs of the refugees are as follows: (a) that the school going cohort acquire sufficient competency to enable absorption into the education system, (b) that those outside of school going age may be able to participate in training programmes or employment, (c) that the remainder acquire a competency to enable them to live independently here.
Classes of one year duration are provided for every refugee within two years of arrival. The optimal position sought is that the standards of competency are reached within two years. At the end of the two year period of instruction cases are reviewed and where special needs are identified additional instruction is provided.
In the case of the Vietnamese refugees, classes have been organised for many years by a number of vocational education committees. The costs associated with these classes, including the instruction costs, are met by the vocational education committees from the annual budget approved by my Department.
In 1992 a special interdepartmental committee was established by the Government to initiate arrangements for the reception of refugees from the former Yugoslavia. Overall responsibility for the day to day care of the refugees rests with the Government established Refugee Agency. The Refugee Agency established an educational sub-committee, on which my Department is represented by a senior inspector, to consider the English language needs of the refugees. It was the recommendation of the educational sub-committee that the language learning needs could best be met by the enrolment of the refugees in a specialist English language agency.
In 1992, following a public tendering process for the provision of English language classes, the Language Centre of Ireland was selected. In 1993, following a further public tendering process, the Language Centre of Ireland and the Dublin School of English were successful in obtaining the contract for the provision of the English language classes. These classes are continuing. The costs associated with the provision of these classes are met by my Department following the submission of claims by the agencies concerned.
The Refugee Agency keeps the adequacy and the efficiency of the service provided under constant review. This review includes the provision of individual reports at the end of each 12 week period of instruction.
