Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Dolan. In reference to the two points she raised, the REALTs have been an invaluable source for working through and finding pathways forward for us in this current situation. I acknowledge their effectiveness and the manner in which they are operating. There are 16 REALTS operating out of the ETBs, with a variety of supports, whether it is NEPS or the linking in with community response or whatever else. The idea is to make access to school places as seamless as possible for children and families.

The Senator referred to the challenges. Capacity is always a forefront challenge in terms of finding suitable places for the students but I acknowledge that the schools have met those challenges. It has been a priority for the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to find the accommodation. We know we have specific capacity in certain areas but the REALT has the ability to look at all schools within an area. While there may not be capacity in one or two schools, there could be capacity in a third or fourth school and the REALT will make the necessary provision in terms of transport or whatever access is required for pupils to get to school. This has been an invaluable opportunity for us to make it as seamless as possible for the schools and especially the families concerned.

On English language supports for adults, as the Minister of State, Deputy Madigan, said, we are placing particular emphasis on language supports in schools, whether EAL or ESOL, which is made available to the post-primary children. ESOL will also be made available to families, particularly adults, and those opportunities will be available in the summer months. There is capacity in ESOL but online recruitment is under way for additional tutors to take up positions. It will be beneficial to families that they will be almost like a community response to English language access.