Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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319. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if all stakeholders, including students and teachers, will be given a place on the Covid-19 working group for the English language education sector in view of the fact it has been denied to some of these essential persons that should be represented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9588/20]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the challenges that are being encountered in the English language education sector and the substantial impact that the Covid-19 outbreak has had on students, teachers and providers in this sector.   

The working group for this sector has been established with a remit to address the issues arising from the Covid-19 pandemic with a priority and focus placed on those issues affecting students. The working group is comprised of key sectorial stakeholders including officials from my Department, Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, the Department of Justice and Equality, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Enterprise Ireland and the lead sectorial representative bodies of providers. Students are represented by learner advocates such as the Irish Council for International Students (ICOS) and the English Language Students Union (ELSU).

The coordination of the response of the wider education system to the Covid-19 outbreak is a substantial challenge. In this context, the Department has found that the current structure of the working group to be effective on delivering on its remit. To date, it has facilitated an appropriate level of engagement with stakeholders alongside the ability to focus on specific issues and ensure delivery as needed.

My Department recognises the important role that teachers play in this sector and the support they have and continue to provide for students at this time. Since the outbreak of Covid-19, officials from my Department have had engagement with teacher representatives where they have outlined their concerns.  

While it will be kept under review, the membership of the Working Group will not be expanded at the present time to include any further participants. However, the Department and the members of the Working Group will continue engage with external parties, seek to exchange information where relevant and address queries where possible.