Warning over lack of support for foreign pupils

A WARNING that failure to provide adequate language support teachers for ethnic minority students could lead to future social problems was given yesterday.

The Government’s intention to press ahead with a plan drawn up by the previous administration to reduce the number of language support teachers by 500 on a phased basis by 2014 was heavily criticised at the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) congress.

Under the plan, 125 language support posts will be abolished in September.