Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 348: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the duties and responsibilities of the Minister of State with special responsibility for integration policy at her Department; the budget allocated to the same Minister of State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28212/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The Minister of State will be responsible for integration policy functions relating to the following:

Ensuring that the range of education policies across different areas of the Department and the bodies under its aegis take account of the need to integrate immigrants and their families, in particular in relation to

Further development of policy in relation to the deployment of language support teachers for newcomers in schools

Appropriate teaching materials, supports and advice for schools on how to meet the needs of newcomer children

Development, in conjunction with other relevant Departments and agencies, of a national policy on the provision of English language education for adult newcomers.

Implementation of the Department of Education and Science aspects of the National Action Plan against Racism

Liaison with education partners management bodies, unions, parents, representatives of school principals) on newcomer issues

Review of international developments and trends in relation to newcomers

Development of appropriate linkages with the Department of Education in Northern Ireland on newcomer issues.

Coordinating the work of the Department of Education and Science on the integration of newcomers with the related work of other relevant Departments and State Agencies.

To assist the Minister of State in his brief a new Integration Unit has been established. At present there is no dedicated budget allocation. However, significant funding is being provided across a number of sections to support students in primary and post primary schools for whom English is a second language and to assist schools to provide an inclusive intercultural environment. The resources available are outlined in a circular ( 53/2007) which was issued to all managerial authorities in May 2007.