Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 May 1997

Vol. 478 No. 7

Written Answers - Teacher Appointments.

Dermot Ahern

Question:

153 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the situation regarding a person (details supplied) in County Louth who attends St. Oliver's national school, Carlingford, who has been recently assessed dyslexic and who requires special reading and spelling skills; the proposals, if any, she has to assign a specialist remedial teacher to the school to assist in this regard, particularly in view of the precedent set in the nearby Ardaghy school which has received a special teacher to cater for the needs of one child; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12120/97]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers. I understand that the child in question has recently been assessed and that my Department is awaiting a report from the child's school on the precise nature of the special needs involved. Once this report is received, my Department will review the educational arrangements for the child in question.

I am currently considering the possibility of making additional remedial and resource teacher posts available to primary schools for the forthcoming school year. I can assure the Deputy that the needs of the school in question will be taken into account as part of this process.