Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020
199. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to ensure that representatives of teachers in English language teaching colleges are represented and heard at the Covid-19 working group for the English language education sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8732/20]
View answer200. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the Department responsible for the Covid-19 working group for the English language education sector has sought or will seek the opinions and input of teachers in the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8733/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 199 and 200 together.
I am aware of the challenges that are being encountered in the English language education sector and the substantial impact that the Covid-19 outbreak has had on students, teachers and providers in this sector.
My Department recognises the important role that teachers play in this sector and the support they have provided and continue to provide for students at this time. Following the outbreak of Covid-19, officials from my Department have had engagement with teacher representatives where they outlined a number their concerns.
The working group for this sector has been established with a remit to address the issues arising from the Covid-19 pandemic with a priority and focus placed on those issues affecting students. The working group is comprised of key sectorial stakeholders including officials from my Department, Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, the Department of Justice and Equality, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Enterprise Ireland, the lead sectorial representative bodies of providers and learner advocates. The coordination of the response of the wider education system to the Covid-19 outbreak is a substantial challenge. In this context, the Department has found the current structure of the working group to be effective on delivering on its remit. To date, it has facilitated an appropriate level of engagement with stakeholders alongside the ability to focus on specific issues and ensure delivery as needed.
While the Department remains open to views, there are no current plans to expand membership. To date, the Group has facilitated an appropriate level of engagement with stakeholders alongside the ability to identify and help resolve issues as they arise. The Department and the members of the working group will continue to engage with external parties, to seek to exchange information where relevant and address queries where possible.
