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Gnáthamharc

Ukraine War

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 June 2022

Thursday, 2 June 2022

Ceisteanna (263)

Sorca Clarke

Ceist:

263. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education the engagement that his Department has had with the relevant stakeholders in relation to the refugees arriving from Ukraine and the coordination of services, supports and resources which are presently being delivered in an ad-hoc manner by volunteers attempting to meet the needs of those fleeing the Russian invasion. [28548/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I wish to thank the Deputy for her question.

To streamline the alignment of education focused supports for Ukrainian families arriving in Ireland my Department has established Regional Education and Language Teams (REALT).

The primary role of the REALT is to assist children in finding school places and to support schools to meet the needs of these children as they emerge. The REALT will also advise and support the Department in developing new capacity where required, and co-ordinate the provision of education services to children and families across their defined area. These teams act as a liaison, ensuring clear, accessible information flows are in place between schools, local education support services and national support structures in relation to Ukrainian arrivals.  REALT Co-ordinators have been appointed in 16 regions funded by the Department and employed by the ETB.

The REALTs will initially focus on ensuring that children find school places when they are ready to engage with the school system. They will liaise with other local co-ordinating structures that may be established to coordinate the delivery of public services for Ukrainian families.

REALTs are hosted and administratively supported within the ETBs.  ETBI have appointed a representative as the national co-ordinator for the REALTs. Each REALT consists of a network of other key agencies, including:

- Tusla Education Support Service (TESS)

- National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS)regional personnel

- National Council for Special Education (NCSE) regional personnel

- Management body local nominees

- and other key partners as appropriate including School Transport (Bus Eireann)

In addition, the REALTs will collaborate closely with people from a range of other services, depending on the needs of the children arriving to Ireland and the challenges faced by schools. These agencies and bodies may include:

- Local county councils/authorities and community fora, which includes voluntary organisations.

- Teacher support services

- Education Centre Network

- Children and young people’s services committees

Each of these agencies and bodies have designated local contact people to liaise and collaborate with REALT teams, as necessary.

Each ETB has assigned a person to the role of REALT co-ordinator. A designated phone line and e-mail address has been established for each REALT.  The REALT co-ordinator is the central point of contact and co-ordination for each team.

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