I heard that following a Dept. of ed review provision of language and socialisation classes for refugees is to be reduced by 50%. Previously adults accepted onto the nationwide courses were entitled to classes for 12 months, this is now being reduced to 6 months. So now refugees will be expected to be ready to either enter the workforce or enter further studies after 6 months of language provision.
In all honesty does the Dept. really expect the students to manage with this cutback to their provision? In many cases the students involved have third level degrees, professional qualifications from their own countries in fields where they can seek work in Ireland but are working on the language requirements to enter the workforce. This seems to be a case of short termism, where cutbacks consign those concerned to prolonging their social welfare dependency.
can any other posters confirm these rumours?