Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 282: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will support a group (details supplied). [24682/08]

Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 360: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason his Department is closing down schools (details supplied) which have provided language and training skills and are an internationally recognised centre of excellence and integration; the further reason same were closed without consultation with staff and no provision has been made to replace the schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24838/08]

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 282 and 360 together.

Integrate Ireland Language and Training Ltd. (IILT) approached my Department earlier this year with a proposal to withdraw from direct tuition for adult refugees and with a request that this tuition be mainstreamed. IILT envisaged continuing direct tuition for a group of up to 200 programme refugees. My Department accepted that mainstreaming of service provision was appropriate as it accords with the overall approach to provision of services to migrants as set out in "Migration Nation" — a statement on integration strategy and diversity management which I recently launched. In doing so the Department decided that all provision should be mainstreamed and provided by VECs as it would make no sense to seek to continue with a small element of provision by IILT.

The funding allocated to IILT will now be redirected to provide for the continuation of this service through the VEC network. The Irish Vocational Education Association has confirmed that it is happy to cooperate and collaborate with my Department in delivery of necessary English language services. The VEC sector has already developed best practice in ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) provision. The sector is already providing English language services for those whose first language is not English. At present services are provided to over 12,000 people annually which clearly demonstrates the capacity of the VECs in this area. A further advantage of mainstreaming such provision through the VEC sector is the fact that the VECs have a nationwide network across all counties and cities that can readily provide classes where needed in the country using their facilities in schools and centres. My Department is currently in discussion with the IVEA to ensure the minimum of disruption to students and the smooth transition to the new basis of delivery.