Posted 27 Mar 2009
Irish schools will be allowed just two assistants to help teach English to immigrants under new government proposals.
Minister for education Batt O’Keeffe clarified to parliament this week that the number of language assistants would be restricted to make budget savings, the Irish Times reports.
As a result, schools must have just two language helpers unless they have more than 121 pupils with English needs, which entitles them to two more.
In addition, schools in this category where more than a quarter of students have English language needs will be able to apply to an independent appeal board for additional teachers.
Meanwhile, parliamentary questions earlier this month revealed that English is a second language to one in seven pupils in UK primary schools.
Shadow immigration minister Damian Green said: "These shocking figures illustrate how difficult life is for many teachers."
Category: Teaching and Learning
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