Classes for non-English speaking students cut

THOUSANDS of non-English speaking students are to be left without language support services after the Department of Education cut funding for Integrate Ireland Language and Training (IILT) and its outreach services.

The organisation, which offers support to pupils in 4,500 schools is to close on July 31 with the loss of 42 jobs between its head office in Ballsbridge and its outreach centres.

“We have no idea where these essential services are going to come from now,” said Chris Rowland, the union’s education branch organiser.