The research, published by the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, reviewed the extent and quality of English language teaching in schools to members of the country's minority ethnic communities.
The research involved interviews with staff in the English as an Additional Language (EAL) units of the Province's five Area Education and Library Boards, as well as teachers, other education professionals, parents and representatives, who were canvassed on the effectiveness of provision. It found that, as of October 2001, only 1,281 pupils came from a non-English speaking family background and one-fifth of these were identified by their schools as needing extra language support.
However, the report found marked regional variations across Northern Ireland in the nature and development of support structures.
'Community organisations and parents were anxious that they should be consulted over the provision being made for pupils whose first language is not English. They would like more information and support in order to help them to interact more easily with schools and teachers so that they do not feel isolated and marginalised,' the researchers said.
The report also indicated concerns over whether EAL pupils should be taught inside or outside the classroom and the practical difficulties of providing suitable teaching spaces in schools.
Meanwhile, a report drawn up by the University of Ulster has called for the creation of a new inter-agency forum to tackle inequalities and promote good race relations. The report, Tackling Racial Inequalities in Northern Ireland: Structures and Strategies, by senior sociology lecturer Dr Paul Connolly of the university's School of Sociology and Applied Social Studies, and Michaela Keenan, noted that there were 'relatively high levels of racial prejudice and harassment in Northern Ireland'.
Dr Connolly said, 'Ethnic minority groups face a number of problems in accessing services or obtaining assistance. They can range from language barriers to lack of special race relations training among the staff of government departments or agencies.' He also said services tended 'to overlook the specific religious and cultural needs of minority groups'.
The report said the forum should comprise representatives from government, public bodies, voluntary agencies and ethnic minority organisations.