Vol. 415 No. 1
418 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Education if he intends to allow 1.5 years credit for every one year to all teachers and staff in special schools who work with emotionally disturbed children; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The particular difficulties facing staff in special schools for emotionally disturbed children are recognised and reflected in the favourable staffing ratios provided to such schools.
Of the 14 such schools in existence at present, 12 enjoy a pupil teacher ratio of 8:1 with a ratio 11:1 applying in the remaining two cases.
I am satisfied that these very favourable staffing ratios represent an adequate recognition of the particular difficulties facing the staff of such schools.
