asked the Minister for Education if he has any proposals to stop the widening of the gap between the talent of the able student and the disadvantages of the under-motivated and less able student.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Student Gap Proposals.
43.
I am not sure that I fully understand the Deputy's question, but I can say that my Department's psychological services and the provision for remedial teaching in both primary and post-primary schools are directed towards assisting pupils with particular learning difficulties.
Would the Minister accept that as long as the gap which is there exists it is erroneous to talk about the equality of opportunity?
Mr. R. Burke
I am not sure that I understand What the Deputy has in mind but equality of education opportunity is the top priority of my Department as, indeed, it was when my predecessor was in charge of the Department. Is this what the Deputy has in mind?
The gap I am talking about is the gap which exists in motivation and facilities which some children have as against others.
The Deputy is making a statement.
Yes, but it is in answer to a question by the Minister.
Mr. R. Burke
In order to remedy this situation the Department have psychological and remedial services. We have 211 remedial teachers currently employed in primary schools and in the secondary sector we have something in the region of 18 psychologists working in the Department. These are measures taken to minimise the educational gap which the Deputy mentioned.