[Lithgy]

The English translation does not add anything worthwhile to this debate. Whilst few people might agree with Stefan Pokroppa, there is undoubtably a schooling problem in the area. His views on English and Irish pupils sound as though they come from someone who has little experience of being in schools on a regular basis and stem from an unfamiliarity of young people from another culture. We all understand that there are problems with some young people in the UK and Germany, as no doubt there are with some in Spain. However, I have also no doubt that the problems are not limited to one nationality. I have no experience of Spanish education but I have of both German and UK systems and yes there are cultural differences that might cause a sharp intake of breath from an adult finding themselves in a school and surrounded by young people. However, when I have passed by schools in Spain I get the impression that there is not a great deal to distinguish these pupils from pupils in Germany or the UK.
As for the free Spanish lessons what I saw is an adult class who all seemed happy to be there and for the provision of these classes the Local Authority should be commended.