Immigration and Primary Education in Ireland
Immigration and Primary Education in Ireland

Summary/Abstract: The structure of this paper could be compared to a camera with a zoom as it proceeds from the description of general issues to individual problems. It begins with a short section that introduces the context of the study. Then the paper illuminates recent demographic shifts in Ireland and traces some major implications that the immigration has had on primary schools. Next a description of the Irish primary education system is provided to highlight key concepts of the primary school structure and operation. From there, the paper proceeds to an investigation of elements of recent legislation that has shaped the present situation of non- -national pupils in primary schools. Finally, the advantages and challenges of a multicultural classroom are presented from the teachers’ perspective by quoting their own words. The overall aim of this paper is to paint a ‘bigger picture’ of the world into which a newly-arrived, non-English speaking child is thrown. It is worth noting that Polish children are the vast majority within this group in Ireland.

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