Language Support teachers assist non-Irish pupils to learn English, an essential process in achieving the integration of overseas students into school life and into Irish society.

Details of the loss of 438 of these vital posts were given in a Dáil reply to Fine Gael education spokesman Brian Hayes. Most of the teachers involved would have been reassigned to regular classroom duties, while some could have retired.

"It's a dramatic cut which will have a huge affect and will have long-term consequences. We have already seen a rise in racism and racial tensions in some areas," Mr Hayes said. (Source: Irish Independent)