The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) has warned that the Bord Snip proposal to cut one thousand language support teachers would be disastrous for the prospects of minority ethnic children.

The union has also warned that denial of the most basic communication tool to such children may lead to their ‘ghettoisation’ both within and outside of the school community.

A TUI study carried out earlier this year found that 27% of teachers were aware of racist incidents in their schools in the previous month.

Speaking today, Annette Dolan, Deputy General Secretary TUI said:

“Communication is the most basic tool any student should be entitled to. We are therefore abhorred that the McCarthy report proposes a drastic reduction of 1,000 language support teachers as a possible source of savings to the State. “

“Recent research from the ESRI shows that in excess of 70% of minority ethnic students in second level schools are from non-English speaking countries.  Over half of second level principals in this ESRI research study reported language difficulties among a significant proportion of such students.” 

“The ESRI study found that a number of recent measures including changes for allocating language support teachers may negatively affect the educational experiences of minority ethnic students."

"If the ESRI is of the view that the cuts introduced in the October budget may have a negative effect on the on the educational experience of such students, it is certain that if implemented the An Bord Snip proposals, would have a detrimental impact on the educational and social experience of minority ethnic children."

"The parents of these minority ethnic children were key components in the development of the Celtic Tiger. These families are now part of the fabric of Irish society and should have a full entitlement to equality of opportunity in the education system.   A denial of language support means that many minority ethnic students will not reach their full potential in the education system."

“A recent TUI survey found that more than one in four teachers (27%) were aware of racist incidents in their schools in the previous month. This demonstrates that there are still real challenges ahead as we strive towards the ideal of a intercultural society. Cuts to the numbers of language support teachers could lead to the ‘ghettoisation’ of such students within the school community.  If minority ethnic children are isolated within the school community, it follows that they will inevitably be further isolated and targeted outside of the school community.”

“From an educational perspective, withdrawal of language support impacts negatively on the development of competence in the English language, It adversely affects the learning environment in all classes and the capacity of such students to achieve across the range of subjects taken, ultimately damaging their chance of achievement in State Examinations.”

“The Government’s commitment to assisting immigrant families integrate into Irish society was questioned in light of the abolition of the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism (NCCRI). Commitment to supporting minority ethnic groups will be further questioned if the An Bord Snip proposal to abolish the Office of the Minister for Integration takes effect.