Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)

The Education Act 1998 sets out the legislative framework for the provision of education to all pupils. There is no specific reference in that Act to English language support. In my view, language support must be approached from the perspective not of legal imperative, but of enabling pupils for whom English is not the mother tongue to access the curriculum and participate fully in the Irish education system. Language support is a measure that is integral to a policy of inclusion.

I recognise that the quality of supports pupils receive and the inclusive atmosphere cultivated in schools are important factors influencing the quality of learning obtained by newcomer pupils. Research is being carried out on a number of fronts to ensure that a quality service continues to be provided. To assist teachers with this work, resource materials, including intercultural guidelines and assessment kits for primary and post-primary schools, have been prepared and provided to all schools.

My Department supports an inclusive school environment that reflects values and affirms linguistic, ethnic and cultural diversity. Schools are encouraged to have in place policies and procedures that promote and facilitate the inclusion of all pupils. A school's commitment to creating an inclusive school environment should be evident in the school plan, the promotion of parental involvement, the provision of equality of access, the facilitation of professional development opportunities and in whole-school and classroom practice. Pupils should also be encouraged and facilitated in maintaining a connection with their own culture and language through curriculum activities and displays.

On supports for schools, I must operate within the level of funding provided by the Oireachtas. In light of the budget 2009 decision, my Department has now published a circular for schools which sets out how the new arrangements for the allocation of language support teachers from September 2009 will operate. The circular sets out a structured and transparent approach for the operation of the alleviation measures announced in the budget for schools that have a significant concentration of newcomer pupils. The alleviation measures provide that these schools can qualify for up to four language support posts with the possibility of additional posts also being approved through the independent staffing appeals mechanism.

Additional information not provided on the floor of the House.

Schools can apply in the normal way to my Department for language support posts. These posts are approved on a provisional basis initially and will be confirmed in September 2009 following receipt from the schools of actual enrolments of pupils requiring language support. It is estimated that, notwithstanding the budget measures, there will be more than 1,400 language support teaching posts in our primary and post-primary schools in September 2009 and up to approximately 500 other teachers in part-time posts. By any standards, this is a significant resource and the challenge will be to ensure that it is used to maximum effect.

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