160 nationalities represented in Irish education

Over 17,000 students from 160 nationalities are represented in the post-primary education sector in the Ireland, a Government minister revealed today.

Integration Minister Conor Lenihan revealed the statistic in an address to the National Parents Council for Post Primary Education in Newbridge, Co Kildare.

The minister, who also repeated his vow to set up an integration taskforce to identify the needs of immigrant communities, told delegates that 1,900 language support teachers had also been appointed to help schools.

“The post primary population in Ireland has grown to over 342,000 pupils including 17,000 students, representing over 160 nationalities,” he confirmed.

Mr Lenihan added: “The rapid pace of change in our schools provides challenges and opportunities for all.

“To support our schools, we now have over 1,900 language support teachers.

“We have produced intercultural guidelines for use in schools and to support new parents arriving in Ireland, who may not have English, the Department of Education has published information on it’s website in six international languages.”

The minister said work was also under way on the development of language assessment kits for post primary schools which would be circulated to all schools later in the year.

A major education conference would also take place towards the end of June, Mr Lenihan announced, looking into the implications of societal diversity on the future organisation of schools.

“All of the education partners, including parents, will take part in the conference,” he said.

“I will soon establish a Taskforce on Integration to identify the key issues affecting immigrant communities.

“This will also involve widespread consultation and enable organisations, such as the National Parent Council, to contribute in the development of our national integration policy.”

Mr Lenihan also paid tribute to the role of the National Parent Council in making the voice of parents heard in schools and in responding to the challenges and opportunities, immigration and integration presented for Irish society.