Providing a positive schools environment for pupils who have migrated to Ireland.
The report 'Adapting To Diversity: Irish Schools and Newcomer Students' published by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) examined the situation in 1,200 primary and post-primary schools.
Sacred Heart of Jesus National School in Mulhuddart Dublin is the country's biggest primary school with 370 immigrant pupils and six language support teachers, three of whom are immigrants.
Bozena Dubiel describes her role as a Language Support Teacher in identifying the needs of students.
My job is to help them to feel welcome in the school.
The report indicates that relations between newcomers and Irish students are broadly positive. There is some evidence of bullying and problems for immigrants making friends. Emer Smyth, co-author of the report, says that bullying is often not visible to school staff. Newcomer students are often reluctant to report when bullying occurs. The research also points to concerns about the impact on immigrant pupils of budget cutbacks, in particular cuts in language support teachers.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 3 June 2009. The reporter is Bethan Kilfoil.
