Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2026
487. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Education and Youth to respond to matters raised in correspondence by a school (details supplied); the reason the criteria relating to the allocation of teaching posts for English as an additional language has changed; if specific communication was given to schools of the changes in the application for these posts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45569/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department has adapted to the dynamic landscape of student enrolment and has prioritised enhancing English as an Additional Language (EAL) support, recognising the critical role of language.
All schools are advised in the first instance to review whether the needs of newly enrolled pupils can be met from within existing allocations. Language supports are also included through the Special Education Teaching (SET) which encompasses an element of language support allocation. Under this SET model, schools are frontloaded with resources to provide support immediately to those pupils who need it without delay.
The Department's policies enable flexible resource allocation to ensure that the resources follow pupils in the event of them changing schools. These supports to schools, based on an 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.
In addition, further additional temporary EAL support is also provided through the Primary Staffing Appeals Board.
Following the application process, Bunscoil Chriost Rí has been informed of an EAL allocation of 10 hours per week for the 2026/27 school year, in addition to the permanent EAL post that is in place in the school. This is less than the current EAL allocation and corresponds with a decrease in overall enrolments in the school and enrolments of pupils with EAL needs. The school is not losing five teachers in the 2026/27 school year.
Bunscoil Chríost Rí has submitted an EAL appeal to the Primary Staffing Appeals board and this board will meet on Wednesday 17th June to make decision on all staffing appeals submitted. The school will be notified of the outcome accordingly.
The criteria by which schools can apply for EAL support for the 2026/27 school year has not been revised.
The Department’s Inspectorate report available on the Department website “Meeting Additional Language Needs: Whole-school and Classroom Approaches for Inclusive Language Learning” outlines the best practice approaches in the teaching and learning of EAL involving mainstream teachers. The report underscores the importance of English language provision for educational equity and wellbeing and applauds schools for promoting diversity and belonging. The Department will use its recommendations to enhance learning experiences across all schools.
