307. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the confirmation of English as an additional language (EAL) hours for the 2026/2027 school year; the reason the new online form for data collection via the Online School Claims System (OLCS) has not yet been made available to schools despite the fast-approaching deadlines; to address the specific anomaly whereby children born in Ireland who are new junior infant entrants are excluded from EAL consideration in current data collection models despite having a demonstrated need for high levels of language support; her plans to allow schools to use their professional judgment and internal assessments to secure resources for these pupils from their first day in school rather than waiting a year for formal assessment results; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33883/26]

Summary

307. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the confirmation of English as an additional language (EAL) hours for the 2026/2027 school year; the reason the new online form for data collection via the Online School Claims System (OLCS) has not yet been made available to schools despite the fast-approaching deadlines; to address the specific anomaly whereby children born in Ireland who are new junior infant entrants are excluded from EAL consideration in current data collection models despite having a demonstrated need for high levels of language support; her plans to allow schools to use their professional judgment and internal assessments to secure resources for these pupils from their first day in school rather than waiting a year for formal assessment results; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33883/26]

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