A GOVERNMENT decision to reduce the number of language support teachers in schools could see Irish and immigrant students competing against one another for attention, Fine Gael has said.
Reductions of up to 30 per cent in such supports could have a direct impact on the education of all pupils, with many students not receiving the assistance needed to help them speak, read and write in English, Fine Gael immigration spokesman Denis Naughten said.
Figures released to Mr Naughten by the Department of Education show there has been a reduction of 35 per cent in the number of English language support teachers at second level, with a further 27 per cent cut in teacher numbers at primary level.
There are currently 1,182 language support teachers at primary level and 365 at post-primary level, compared to 1,620 and 560 respectively in the 2008/09 term.
"Alongside language support cuts, increased class sizes and cuts to special needs supports have added to the situation that sees pupils, both Irish and non-Irish competing for teacher attention," he said.
"This forces teachers to allocate inordinate amounts of time to some students."
Mr Naughten said an adequate amount, some €261 million over the last two years, was being spent on language support teachers but that at "about one or two hours of English lessons every week", pupils were not receiving enough attention.
"This school year it is estimated that a further €90 million will be spent, but what is needed is reform of how we provide that service to migrant children," he said.
A department spokesman acknowledged that a cap was placed on the number of language support teachers schools could hire but said exceptions could be made in schools where there was a significant number of newcomer pupils.
