CONCERNS have been raised over the slashing of funding for English language classes and how this will act as a barrier to integration and employment in Donegal.
ETB Staff nominee Joanne Donaghy raised concerns at Monday’s meeting of the Donegal Education and Training Board regarding the “huge reduction” in funding for ESOL classes.
ESOL is English for Speakers of Other Languages classes, specifically for migrants and new community members in Ireland.
“I feel that English language proficiency is essential for full participation in society,” Ms Donaghy said.
She spoke of the many highly qualified individuals she has met attending their English language classes.
“Without strong English skills, they will actually face significant challenges accessing employment opportunities.”
Cllr Declan Meehan echoed Ms Donaghy’s concerns regarding the cuts to vital funding.
UKRAINE INVASION
“We’re four years on from the 2022 invasion of Ukraine by Russia, and the amount of work that Donegal ETB did at that point, often without additional resources, is something we need to highlight with the relevant departments.”
“Because in that time, we have seen from CSO figures how the number of Ukrainians who are still resident here, despite the number going down, is still sizable.”
He also highlighted the increasing number of IPAS applicants coming into the county.
Cllr Meehan said there are countless skillsets left untapped in the migrant and new communities in Donegal, and the biggest barrier to that is English classes and their availability.
He suggested that the Donegal ETB write to the department to highlight the ongoing need.
“Though it is out of our hands in terms of funding being allocated, it really needs to be highlighted because it is ridiculous that these barriers to integration and employment are being left in place.”
During the discussion, Lorraine Thompson from Donegal Youth Services also raised concerns regarding the slashing of funding for integration of youth services after three years.
She added that an allocation from Túsla for the same purpose has also been halved.
“I am not really sure nationally what the strategy or the thought process is… the children and young people are still here and the needs are still there, and there’s no rationale behind it.”
Ciaran O’Brien, Director of Further Education and Training (FET), also shared his disappointment.
He explained to members that it is a national issue affecting every ETB in the country, as temporary funding stopped at the start of 2026.
Mr O’Brien said the ETB will continue to provide the service, but it won’t be at the same scale without the funding. He agreed that they should write a letter to the government on the matter.
