Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2022
933. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education the number of meetings that she has had with her departmental officials to discuss access to schools for Ukrainian refugees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20762/22]
View answerMy Department is working with the whole education sector, including aegis bodies and education partners in regard to access to education for school-aged children and providing supports both to their families and schools. I have met with my officials on a number of ocassions in the last number of weeks, and I continue to meet with my officials on a regular basis on this matter. I am also in direct contact with officials as issues arise.
My Department is:
- Supporting schools in their immediate responses to children and young people from Ukraine, particularly through the establishment of Regional Education and Language Teams (REALT).
- Providing additional EAL supports.
- Providing resources for teachers and schools to help them welcome and support the wellbeing of pupils from Ukraine in their classrooms.
- Identifing specific current capacity within schools to address immediate needs.
- Identifing and addressing the potential medium and longer term implications in relation to school capacity.
I will continue to meet regularly with my officials to discuss my Department's response to the situation and the education needs of those arriving from Ukraine.
