Youngsters from ethnic minorities are not being taught enough English to understand other subjects, it has been suggested.

The failure to provide adequate resources for those from non-Irish backgrounds is preventing integration, the Irish Independent reports.

A number of principals told the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Science that they do not have the financial resources to provide tuition for these children.

Tony McGinley, a head teacher from west Dublin, said schools had to face "cultural differences they did not fully know or understand, including discipline issues".

He added that matters are often complicated due to tribal differences between pupils from the same countries.

In related news, RTE reported last month that the government has launched a review to identify schools where special needs assistants (SNAs) can be cut.

There are currently 10,000 SNAs working in Ireland. However, officials stressed that they would not remove staff if they were needed.

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