Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 July 2021
286. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when English languages schools are permitted to reopen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38824/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the publication of COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery: The Path Ahead and in keeping with the Government’s objective of moving to a return to safe onsite provision in higher and further education, extensive planning has been undertaken by the sectoral stakeholders of the Covid-19 Working Group for the English language education (ELE) sector to prepare for the safe resumption of limited, small group, in-person provision to cater for the needs of this sector’s existing cohort of students currently in the State. This Working Group is comprised of the sectoral representatives of students, staff and providers alongside representatives of relevant Government Departments such as the Department of Justice, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Social Protection.
On the basis of these plans and subject to relevant conditions, limited in-person activity may begin to resume for the current cohort of students from 19th July 2021 where it is safe to do so.
In preparing to undertake the resumption of in-person activity, ELE providers should particularly be aware of and take account of the following key factors:
- There is no deterioration in the public health situation nor changes to public health advice/measures that would impact on this activity.
- The resumption of this activity is exclusively to cater for the needs of the existing cohort of ELE students currently in the State.
- This step should be taken in consultation with each provider’s staff and students.
- Subject to relevant conditions, providers may opt to remain closed, to provide blended learning or to continue operating wholly online.
- There continues to be no basis for the recruitment of new international students that may seek to travel to the State at this time.
All existing restrictions and public health guidance with appropriate protective measures and limited congregation will need to be followed, supported by the sectoral reopening protocols and adaptation framework, to facilitate and ensure the safe return to some classroom-based activity for this cohort of students.
The resumption of in-person activity is a key stepping stone on the pathway to recovery for the ELE sector in Ireland. My Department looks forward to continued productive engagement with stakeholders to support the development of further plans which will enable the return of international student recruitment and the full re-opening of the sector in due course, aligned with public health guidelines.
