Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 826: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her view on the desirability of specialist schools with their own curriculum being established to cater to the needs of that particular nationality; the way these schools are treated in terms of teacher allocation and language support; if her Department sets requirements in relation to the integration of these curricula with mainstream education here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9904/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I have no plans for specialist schools for particular nationalities. The national curriculum is an important cornerstone of our Irish education system which ensures that all students are exposed to a broad and balanced curriculum which is based on international best practice. There is provision for exemptions from the study of Irish for students who entered education after 11 years of age from abroad and for pupils with certain categories of special need.

My Department provides additional supports to schools in respect of pupils with an English language deficit. Schools with 14 or more newcomer pupils who do not have English as a first language and who are eligible for language support because they fall below a certain proficiency level are allowed to appoint a language support teacher. A second teacher may be appointed when the numbers reach 28. In September of 2006, the limit of two was effectively lifted as the Department allowed schools with large numbers to appoint a third teacher. I recently announced the allocation of 200 extra language resource teachers to bring the number solely teaching English to newcomer children to 1,450 in the current school year.

With regard to pupils' mother tongue and culture supports, the Department provides funds towards local community based initiatives to support pupils' mother tongue and culture on a limited basis. Immigrant groups can apply to the Department for funding towards the promotion of their language and culture. Such support may take place on the school premises by local agreement outside of school hours, usually at weekends.

Integrate Ireland Language Training Ltd monitors the delivery of such programmes and co-ordinates requests for funding.

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment has produced guidelines for schools on best practice in the promotion of intercultural education.

Within the Leaving Certificate examination, a range of languages are offered as part of the national curriculum including Irish, English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Arabic, Russian and Japanese. In addition, the State Examinations Commission also provides examinations in subjects which are not part of the curriculum where this is requested for candidates who are

from a member state of the European Union

Speak the language in which they opt to be examined in as a mother tongue

Have followed a programme of study leading to the Leaving Certificate. In addition, the language in question must be a national language of an EU state.

In addition to the above, since 2004, pupils for whom neither Irish nor English is their mother tongue, may use bilingual translation dictionaries in examinations other than in Irish, English or their mother tongue.