Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 November 2023
187. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Education when the outcome of the EAL appeal submitted by a school (details supplied) will be available; if she is aware that this school needs clarity on matter urgently, as the EAL allocation was reduced by 50%; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49347/23]
View answerThe Special Education Teaching allocation 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.
The school referred to by the Deputy submitted an appeal to the Primary Staffing Appeals Board which was considered at the October meeting. The school has been allocated 1 fulltime EAL post for this school year. The school has been notified of this decision. The Primary Staffing Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
