Schools praised for Ukrainian response

Almost 170 Ukrainian students are enrolled in schools across Cavan and Monaghan.

The local Education and Training Board (ETB) has been tasked with coordinating the education sector’s response in the region to the ongoing refugee crisis following Russia’s invasion of the country.

Speaking at the recent board meeting of the organisation, Director of Schools Paddy Flood said close to 170 students have been enrolled locally, “the vast majority of which are in Cavan”.

Figures released by the Department of Education showed 162 students attending both primary and post-primary schools in Cavan and Monaghan. Of those, 143 were attending Cavan schools.

There had been concerns over the ability of some local schools to accommodate additional students. At the April meeting of CMETB, Paddy Flood said some students may need to be transported to other towns if schools are at capacity.

“It’s a credit to schools that there was no refusal,” he said. “Every request was granted. Every student gets transport to and from school.”

Schools of all denominations have taken in Ukrainian students, with CMETB coordinating the response locally on behalf of the Department of Education.