Ukraine War
Dail Éireann — 2026-03-24
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Louis O'Hara (SF), Galway East

Many of the Ukrainian nationals who came to Ireland following the invasion of Ukraine did not speak English. To assist them, the State provided significant additional funding for English for speakers of other languages, ESOL, classes through the ETB network. This year, the Government has decided to remove this additional funding for ETBs. As a result, Galway and Roscommon ETB has had to inform 25 teachers that they are being let go and that roughly 150 classes will be cancelled. This cut is affecting classes across the board. It is mainly English language and literacy classes but it is also Irish language classes and other areas. Many of the staff affected were only weeks away from receiving permanent contracts, having almost completed their four years. As we speak here, staff and students are protesting these cruel cuts outside the GRETB facility in Athenry. I want a commitment from the Taoiseach that he will engage with the Minister in relation to this and advise him to reverse these cuts.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-03-24/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-09-14T01:01:03+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-03-24