My Department engages on an ongoing basis with officials in the Department of Justice & Equality and TUSLA Education Support Service (TESS) in relation to education issues arising from the provision of accommodation for asylum seekers and refugees. For the past number of years, the Department has seconded an official to the Department of Justice and Equality to support the arrangement of education provision for children residing in accommodation centres. This arrangement facilitates close liaison with relevant areas of my Department in relation to education provision and with TESS, which is responsible for assisting with school enrolment and attendance. In general as new accommodation centres under contract to the Department of Justice and Equality are opened, children are enrolled in the nearest schools where places are available, with transport provided where necessary.