Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 94: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will review the cap on the number of support teachers for children whose native language is neither Irish nor English in order that schools with a large number of such children can get necessary support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19904/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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In order to ensure that children who do not have English or Irish as a first language are not at a disadvantage in educational terms, my Department gives additional support to schools which can take the form of financial assistance, additional temporary teacher posts or portions of teacher posts.

The level of extra financial or teaching support provided to any school is determined by the numbers of non-English speaking students enrolled. In the current school year, 541 whole-time equivalent language support teachers are in place at primary level and 262 whole-time equivalent teachers are in place at second level to support such pupils, representing an investment of €46.5 million. This compares to 149 and 113 teachers respectively in the school year 2001/02.

However, I am aware that schools with significant numbers of children who do not have English or Irish as a first language need extra supports over and above those already provided and I am currently working on proposals in relation to this. Among other matters, the proposals will address the issue raised by the Deputy.