The Department of Education said yesterday it was investigating claims that students at privately operated language schools were being charged for free State-provided tuition.
The issue was brought to light at a Joint Oireachtas Committee by Labour TD Jan O'Sullivan, who expressed concern that a State system of free tuition was being abused.
Ms O'Sullivan said she understood that some pupils attending private language schools were being referred to State schools for part of their tuition and charged for the service.
Frank Wyse, assistant secretary in the Department of Education, said he was aware of these claims and the department would take steps to ensure the practice ceased.
Overall, much work was being done to help meet the needs of the estimated 28,000 students in Irish schools at primary and post-primary level who do not have English as a first language, he said.
A total of 1,450 language teachers would be in place this year compared to just 262 posts in the 2001-2002 school year. In addition, a further 350 posts would be in place over the next two years.
The lifting of the cap, whereby a maximum of two language support teachers were allocated to schools with international students, meant schools with large numbers of pupils with English language needs could now have up to six language support teachers.
