Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 March 2023
352. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education if proper school services (details supplied) for adults and children will be provided on-site at a facility, given the lack of school-places and access to GPs, mental-health services and dental services locally; if his Department will publish the details of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15293/23]
View answerMy Department's priority is to ensure integration and inclusion for all pupils seeking international protection in addition to ensuring full utilisation of existing school capacity. On-site education facilities do not assist those aims.
Utilisation of each school’s existing capacity in the most flexible way possible will be key to supporting all children seeking international protection who are being enrolled in our schools.
There is some capacity in the area being referred to. Where capacity pressures need to be managed, contingency arrangements will be considered.
REALT teams have been established and are working closely with schools to support and co-ordinate a strategic approach to maximising utilisation of existing school capacity.
