Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Feb 1996

Vol. 461 No. 2

Written Answers. - Remedial Teacher Posts.

Brendan Smith

Question:

98 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Education if she will approve at an early date the application made by schools (details supplied) in County Cavan for a remedial teaching service on a shared basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2657/96]

Brendan Kenneally

Question:

103 Mr. Kenneally asked the Minister for Education the primary schools in County Waterford which do not have any access to a remedial teacher; the number of pupils in each of these schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2692/96]

Brendan Kenneally

Question:

107 Mr. Kenneally asked the Minister for Education if a remedial teacher will be provided as a matter of urgency for a school (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2700/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 98, 103 and 107 together. I am not in a position at present to make remedial teacher posts available to the schools mentioned by the Deputies.

Fifty-five remedial teacher posts were allocated to primary schools with effect from September 1995. These posts were allocated on the basis of priority of need following the collection and analysis of data by my Department's primary inspectorate.

This allocation brings the total number of remedial teachers now in place in the primary sector to 1,188.

I am keeping the question of further appointments in this area under regular review as resources become available. I can assure the Deputies that the needs of the schools in question will be taken fully into account as part of this process.

The information requested by Deputy Kenneally regarding the primary schools in County Waterford which do not have any access to a remedial teacher and the number of pupils involved is presently being compiled within my Department and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.