Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 1021: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the provision currently available for English language support for immigrant children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1909/08]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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In May 2007, I approved the issuing of Circular 53/2007 to the Managerial Authorities in primary and post primary schools. This circular outlines the resources available to meet the needs of pupils for whom English is a second language. I removed the limit of two Language Support Teachers per school and extended the provision of language support beyond two years, where a specific request is made. In fact, it is now possible for some schools with over 121 such pupils to have 6 language support teachers. There are now in over 1,900 language support teacher posts allocated to primary and post primary schools, compared with just 262 in 2001/2002.

These additional resources will assist in providing an inclusive school environment to meet the needs of pupils for whom English is a second language. Such an inclusive school environment reflects values and affirms linguistic, ethnic and cultural diversity.

In addition to the language resource teachers there is a significant amount of resources available including the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment's (NCCA) Guidelines — "Intercultural Education in the Primary School" and "Intercultural Education in the Post- Primary school". The NCCA has also published "English as an Additional Language in Irish Primary Schools". Integrate Ireland Language and Training (IILT) has produced a resource book "Up and Away" for English language support in primary schools.

IILT in collaboration with the Southern Education and Library Board (in Armagh) published a "Toolkit for diversity in the primary school — Together towards Inclusion". This was a joint North South project. It was completed in December 2007 and will be distributed to schools shortly.

In addition, a language assessment kit, prepared by IILT, will be provided to all primary schools shortly. This will enable accurate initial and on-going assessment of the language proficiency of newcomer children. It is proposed to have an assessment kit for post-primary schools available later in the year.