Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 212: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will address the pressure on schools that have large numbers of pupils whose first language is neither English nor Irish; if she will, in particular, remove the cap of two extra teachers for such schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34100/06]

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 school year 2005/06, 562 whole-time equivalent language support teachers were in place at primary level and 262 whole-time equivalent teachers were 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. I am aware of the particular needs of schools that have large numbers of children who need extra help with their English and am currently working on proposals that will improve the level of assistance given to these schools.