Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As we have already said, considerable resources have been put in place in schools for intensive English as an additional language, EAL. More than 918 of our schools have applied for additional resources there either in terms of EAL hours or additional teaching hours. As I referenced, we have the English to speakers of other languages, ESOL, tutors coming on stream, specifically working with senior cycle and post-primary students and wider families. We also have initiatives like the "Say Yes to Languages" programme in our schools, which again will support communication among children and young people.

On the specific point around registration, we have had 48 or 49 who have applied to be registered from a teaching perspective. It is worth noting that some of those applications have been general rather than specific to an area where they might have a qualification. That demands another investigation by the Teaching Council as to what area they might be best suited to. There is a body of work to be done, as well as reference vetting and all of that. It is absolutely the objective and the intention that this would be streamlined as quickly as possible. This would be a rich addition to our schools and we are determined to do it. We must ensure as well that the accreditation would be for the area and appropriate.

There was a specific question on transport and school accommodation being made available. As the committee has already referenced, we have more than 6,000 students and by the time the next numbers come out, we will probably have in excess of those 6,000 students placed in our schools. For a variety of reasons, students present at different times. Some, on arrival, immediately want to go into a school setting and for other reasons, others may wish to take some time, as is absolutely appropriate. Every child's needs must be individualised. I am not sure of the circumstances referenced by the Senator but it is quite an achievement by the schools and regional education and language teams, REALTs, to ensure we have more than 6,000 students placed. There is also an absolute determination from the Department that where accommodation is required in terms of school transport, it is provided, whether that is on a bus route or another route to get them to school. That is the first time the matter has been raised with me and I am interested if the Senator wishes to share the detail. There has been a general acceptance that there has been an excellent job on the ground by the schools and REALTs.

The Minister of State, Deputy Madigan, has dealt with the question of summer provision very well, including the aspects and consultation we have had to ensure it is more appealing for people to become involved in administration or working through it. We will continue that engagement going forward and where there are opportunities to reimagine it or do it differently, both the Minister of State, Deputy Madigan, and I are totally committed to doing it. Our singular and sole objective is to ensure the maximum number of children get the opportunity to avail of summer provision. We are very appreciative of the schools and staff currently in a position to do it but maybe there could be opportunities for others if we did things differently or in other ways. The Minister of State, Deputy Madigan, and I will continue to engage on that as well.