asked the Minister for Education the minimum number of students required for the appointment of a remedial or special class teacher.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Remedial Teachers.
100.
Mr. R. Burke
My Department does not specify a minimum number of pupils to warrant the appointment of a remedial teacher in a primary school. Sanction for such appointment is given where the need for a special teacher is established.
A minimum of 15 suitable pupils is required for the establishment of a special class for slow-learners, and for the recognition of an additional teacher for such a class.
The Deputy will appreciate that only a limited number of posts can be sanctioned each year and that priority must be given to those cases where the greatest need is established.
Might I say that I appreciate the Minister's interest in this field? While 15 is set down as a minimum ther are schools in which the number is greater than that and the teachers are not available. I noticed in a reply to some other question that we have a surplus of primary teachers. Perhaps this is an area in which they could be used.
Mr. R. Burke
It is only in the relatively recent past that the Department undertook special training of teachers and it will take some time to catch up with the backlog.
In a large school complex like that in Ballyfermot, probably the biggest in Europe, would it not be possible to make special teachers available in this field?
Mr. R. Burke
It is a question of the availability of teachers. That is the only constraint on me and, if I can train them and turn them out quickly enough, I shall certainly do it.
I do not ask the Minister to train them.
Can the Minister state how many are turned out annually?
Mr. R. Burke
I have not been furnished with that information. If the Deputy asks me a specific question I will answer it.