Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 May 2020
259. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of pupils necessary in a primary school in order for an English As An Additional Language educator to be employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7936/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Special Education Teaching allocation, as outlined in Circular 0007/2019, 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.
Further temporary Language Support is also provided, as necessary, to schools that have high concentrations of pupils that require language (EAL) support. At primary level, these allocations are made on the basis of appeals by schools to the Primary Staffing Appeals Board.
The staffing arrangements for primary schools for the 2020/21 school year, as set out in Circular 0018/2020 which is available on the Department website, provides details on the staffing appeal process. Where at least 20% of the total enrolment of the school is made up of pupils that require EAL support (pupils with less than B1 Level 3 proficiency), the Board of Management may lodge an appeal for a review of the proposed allocation for pupils requiring EAL support.
