Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Jun 1995

Vol. 454 No. 1

Written Answers. - Remedial Teachers.

Ivor Callely

Question:

126 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education the criteria used in approving a remedial teacher for a school; the number of schools that meet the criteria who do not have a remedial teacher; and the schools which do not meet the criteria but have a remedial teacher. [10212/95]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

Pupils in need of remedial teaching normally have clearly observable difficulties in acquiring basic skills in literacy and-or numeracy or some difficulties in learning of a more general nature. Remedial teachers are appointed to schools on the basis of priority of need. Schools are selected for inclusion in the service following an evaluation of their levels of need by my Department's inspectorate and the school psychological service. I am satisfied that the evaluation carried out is such that remedial teachers are allocated to those schools which have the greatest need.

The number of remedial posts allocated in any year is governed by the teaching resources available for distribution in that year. At present, a total of 1,133 remedial teachers deliver the service to 2,062 primary schools. A further 55 remedial teachers are being allocated to the primary sector with effect from September next. A total of 277 ex-quota remedial teachers are currently in place at second-level and a further 73 posts will be put in place for the 1995-96 school year. I am satisfied that the significant increase in remedial teacher allocations in recent years will be of major benefit to children with learning difficulties and I hope to maintain this momentum in the coming years.