Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity)
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427. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to clarify the eligibility for English as an Additional Language (EAL) supports in primary school, in particular to clarify if Circular 6/23 means that children whose parents have been in the State for more than two years are excluded from eligibility to EAL supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15360/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The Special Education Teaching allocation, as outlined in Circular 0020/2022, (primary schools) and provides a single unified allocation for special educational support teaching needs to each school, based on each school’s educational profile and also encompasses the Language Support (EAL) allocation that schools were allocated in previous years. All schools are advised in the first instance to review whether the needs of newly enrolled pupils can be met from within existing allocations.

The Department also provides specific English Language support to schools with pupils newly arrived into the country that have English as an additional language.

Schools may apply for further language support through the staffing appeals process. Having considered the circumstances outlined by the school and having regard to the high number of pupils requiring EAL support, additional support may be approved to meet the educational needs of such pupils. In considering the level of EAL support to be allocated, the Appeals Board will consider those pupils in the school with less than B1 (Level 3) proficiency that have received less than 3 years EAL support, irrespective of how long their parents have been in the country.

Staffing arrangements for the 2023/24 school year, including information on EAL supports available to schools, are available in Circular 0006/2023.