Department of Education must have supports in place for Ukrainian children
Labour education spokesperson Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has today written to the Minister for Education asking for an update on supports for children fleeing from Ukraine.
Deputy Ó Ríordáin said:
“While we watch on in horror with events in Ukraine, we need to prepare as a country to welcome all people fleeing Ukraine and ensure they have supports in place.
“I have written to the Minister for Education for an update on language supports and social and emotional supports that will be need to be in place for children entering the education system specifically. The children and their families need support, as do our teachers, SNAs and school communities.
“We have an obligation to provide them with as fair a chance as possible. The trauma and pain they are experiencing is truly unimaginable. We must enable them to continue their education at every level and provide sustained assistance and supports.
“A generous humanitarian response must be delivered by the State. We must offer a home and new opportunities. We need to demonstrate that these children and people are our priority.”