INTO hits out at lack of support for foreign pupils

SCHOOLS are being left without the proper support to help foreign children who now represent almost one-third of new pupils in many areas, it was claimed yesterday.

The Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) annual congress heard that as well as language support, children often require psychological support linked to the experiences that led to their families coming to Ireland.

Angela Dunne, the union’s new vice-president said that some large schools, particularly in Dublin and other cities, are now reporting that between 25% and 30% of their pupils were born outside Ireland.