Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 203: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the contact that has been made by his Department with schools (details supplied) in Dublin 24 in respect of the language support teacher levels at the schools; his proposals in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15999/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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In light of the Budget 2009 decision my Department has now published a circular for schools which sets out how the new arrangements will operate for the allocation of language support teachers from September 2009. The circular sets out a structured and transparent approach for the operation of the alleviation measures that were announced in the budget for schools that have a significant concentration of newcomer pupils. The alleviation measures mean that these schools can qualify for up to 4 language support posts with the possibility of additional post(s) also being approved through the independent staffing appeals mechanism.

Schools can now apply to my Department in the normal way 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 over 1,400 language support teaching posts in our primary and post-primary schools in September 2009 and up to about 500 other teachers in part-time posts. By any standards this is a very significant resource and the challenge will be to ensure that it is used to maximum effect.