Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2022
932. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education the instructions that she has given to patron bodies of primary and secondary schools in relation to the taking in of Ukrainian refugees into schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20761/22]
View answer934. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education if she has received any communication from patron bodies or individual schools in relation to issues of school places for refugees from Ukraine; if so, if any concerns were raised; the type of concerns that were raised; the way that she has responded to same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20763/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 932 and 934 together.
My Department continues to welcome all students arriving in Ireland. We are working with all relevant authorities, education partners and school communities to ensure Ukrainian children of school-going age, who are beneficiaries of the Temporary Protection Directive, are provided with access to appropriate supports to allow them to continue their education in Ireland.
Guidance has issued to schools on supporting students from Ukraine that enquire about enrolling. Where children of school-going age have arrived already and want to access the school system right away, schools that have capacity locally will welcome those children in the usual way.
All relevant information in relation to my Department’s approach and the supports in place is available on gov.ie and is updated as appropriate.
In addition, my Department has established a designated helpline and email address and is addressing any queries directly with schools.
Regional Education and Language Teams (REALT) have been established to help ensure good coordination and alignment of supports for Ukrainian children arriving in Ireland. These Education and Language Teams are hosted by the 16 regional education and training boards (ETBs) and are staffed by existing regionally-based education support personnel working closely together to ensure good coordination and alignment of supports for Ukrainian children. The Department is liaising with the teams to ensure all necessary supports for the Ukrainian children are provided as quickly as possible.
The primary role of the REALT is to build on existing regional education support structures and the initial focus will be on assisting families in securing school places. REALT will also support schools in the area to meet the needs of these children as they emerge, to advise and support the Department of Education in developing new capacity where required, and to co-ordinate the provision of education services to schools and families across their defined area.
These teams will ensure that clear, accessible information flows are in place between schools, local education support services and national support structures in relation to people arriving from Ukraine.
Contact information for REALT teams can be found at www.gov.ie/en/publication/48639-information-for-schools-ukraine/#regional-education-and-language-teams-realt
My Department will continue to engage with stakeholders, provide updated guidance and address any issues or concerns as they emerge.
