Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 April 2024
34. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education if the case of a school (details supplied) will be reviewed in relation to the allocation of a permanent EAL post at the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16774/24]
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 application for EAL support for the 2024/25 school year and has been allocated 2 temporary EAL posts, pending confirmation of enrolments on 30th September. The Department's policy enables the flexible allocation of EAL supports to ensure that the resources follow children in the event of them changing schools.
