I propose to take Questions Nos. 456 and 457 together.
The Department has prioritised enhancing English as an Additional Language (EAL) support, recognising the critical role of language proficiency in successful integration and academic achievement.
The Department has adapted to the dynamic landscape of student enrolment. This has been particularly effective in the context of the pace and volume of newly arrived students fleeing the war in Ukraine and the ongoing increase in students, who require EAL supports to fully access the curriculum. These supports to schools, based on application process, are provided for new-entrant pupils (i.e., pupils arrived in the country in the last 2 years with an EAL requirement).
Similar to previous years, supports may also be provided for schools with a high concentration of pupils that are not classified as new-entrant pupils but who have an EAL need i.e., those pupils with less than 3 years EAL support and register less than B1 in an English proficiency test. Accordingly, the Presentation Monastery School has received an EAL allocation based on the number of qualifying pupils applied for.
The NCSE is the body responsible for the allocation of SNA posts based on the care needs profile of the school. Deputies are welcome to raise such queries with the NCSE directly through their dedicated Oireachtas query line: oireachtasqueries@ncse.ie
The Department's policies enable flexible resource allocation to ensure that the resources follow children in the event of them changing schools. Schools may also apply for further language support during the school year, should their circumstances change.
