Study: Migrants need English classes
The Immigrant Council of Ireland will publish research carried out on its behalf into problems experienced by people moving here from overseas and with limited English language skills. The research was carried out by Dr Claire Healy and will outline problems faced by immigrants including accessing basic services such as the health system, education and housing. It will also stress the greater chances of exploitation faced by people with insufficient English.
The huge number of foreign nationals who have entered the country in the past decade has put an unprecedented emphasis on language skills, with many ethnic minority groups claiming there is a growing need for more flexible language classes.
The Programme for Government makes some provision for providing English language training and both Minister for Integration Conor Lenihan, and his brother, Justice Minister Brian Lenihan, have mentioned the issue in speeches. Today’s research, which will be launched by Minister Conor Lenihan, is expected to call for a more defined Government commitment to providing English classes.
The council’s chief executive officer Denise Charlton said “social isolation and marginalisation” of migrants could be an issue if the matter is not addressed. “If you have people without the language the possibility of integration is limited,” she said.
