During the course of a debate on language support for international students between Deputy Joan Burton and Brigid McManus, Secretary General of the Department of Eduction at a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee last Thursday the 12th of October, the Secretary General confirmed that the cap on English language support teaching is to be removed.

The current rule is that international pupils get English language support for two years and a school gets one English-language support teacher. For 28 international pupils or more, the school may get two language support teachers but rarely any more.

Deputy Burton said, “this is a huge issue for schools in Dublin West. Most schools in Dublin West now have far above the requisite number of international children but cannot receive extra language support. The teachers are doing a fabulous job despite the existing limits and it is extremely welcome news that the Department recognises that the need for language support teachers far exceeds the existing levels being provided.”

During the course of the debate the Secretary General of the Department of Education stated that:

“We are in the process of removing the existing cap of two language support teachers. I understand that in the case of schools with very large numbers, permission has been granted to appoint additional language support teachers……..As a temporary measure to deal with some especially difficult schools with very large numbers (of international students) before roll-out of the assessment, short-term arrangements are being made.”

In addition to questioning Ms. Mc Manus about language support for international children, Deputy Burton also questioned her at length about educational disadvantage and school sites, including the small size of the new sites being acquired which are less than half of what 1,000 pupil schools would normally be.

The full details of the question and answer session between Deputy Burton and the Secretary General can be seen in the attached Word Document.