Senator Maura Hopkins says educational services are being provided for refugees at the Emergency Reception and Orientation Centre in Ballaghaderreen.
She says it’s the responsibility of the Galway Roscommon Educational Training Board (GRETB) which has received special funding through Solas for the provision of primary and secondary school services along with adult language and orientation classes.
“GRETB estimated they would require three classrooms for children, two primary and one secondary school classroom. They provided Dept. of Education specifications to the contractor for those classrooms. Three former apartments in the block attached to the hotel have been completely gutted and are being reconfigured to meet these guidelines.”
Senator Hopkins added: “I have been advised by Dept. of Justice Officials that the teachers have been appointed and are waiting to take up their posts. Funding has also been secured for classroom furniture and equipment and these are being procured at the moment, which is very positive.
“I have been informed by the Dept of Justice Officials that these three classrooms are due to be ready for takeover by the GRETB this week.”
