Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 May 2023
91. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education if it is possible that a school (details supplied) in County Donegal retains their current full time EAL hours; if a review of the decision to cut the hours can be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22133/23]
View answerThe Special Education Teaching allocation, as outlined in Circular 0020/2022, provides a single unified allocation for special educational support teaching needs to each school, based on each school’s educational profile and also encompasses the Language Support (EAL) allocation that schools were allocated in previous years.
All schools are advised in the first instance to review whether the needs of newly enrolled pupils can be met from within existing allocations.
The Department also provides specific English Language support to schools with pupils newly arrived into the country that have English as an additional language.
Schools may apply for further language support through the staffing appeals process. Having considered the circumstances outlined by the school and having regard to the high number of pupils requiring EAL support, additional support may be approved to meet the educational needs of such pupils. In considering the level of EAL support to be allocated, the Appeals Board will consider those pupils in the school with less than B1 (Level 3) proficiency that have received less than 3 years EAL support.
The Primary Staffing Appeals Board will meet again in June. If there has been a change in circumstances in the school, e.g. increased enrolments, the school may submit a new application to the Appeals Board. The Primary Staffing Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
