Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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483. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of teachers employed directly in providing support to children for whom English was not their first language in the current school year and in the 2008-2009 school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43584/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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Reforms introduced in the 2012/13 school year created a single simplified allocation process for both learning and language support. At primary level, learning/language support hours are allocated on the basis of mainstream classroom teaching posts in the school. At post-primary level, learning/language support is allocated on the basis of pupil numbers. Schools have autonomy to deploy this resource between learning support and language support depending on the specific needs of the school.

The new arrangements also provided for additional permanent teaching posts to be given to schools with high concentration of pupils that require language support.

Further additional temporary support is also provided, as necessary, to schools that have high concentrations of pupils that require language (EAL) support. At primary level, these allocations are made on the basis of appeals by any of these schools to the Primary Staffing Appeals Board. Where at least 20% of the total enrolment of the school is made up of pupils that require EAL support, the school may lodge an appeal with the Appeals Board. Having considered the circumstances outlined by the school and having regard to the high number of pupils requiring EAL support, additional post(s) may be approved by the Appeals Board.

I will arrange for the information sought by the Deputy to be forwarded directly to him.