Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Apr 1996

Vol. 463 No. 6

Written Answers. - Visiting Teacher Service.

Seamus Brennan

Question:

182 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Education if she intends to increase the number of visiting special teachers dealing with Down's Syndrome children in ordinary primary schools in order that those pupils who are benefiting may have additional time given to them; the number of special teachers employed in each of the academic years from 1991-92 to 1995-96; the number of special needs pupils covered by these teachers; the number of schools participating; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6993/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I am not in a position at present to expand the number of visiting teachers employed by my Department. The number of visiting teachers employed to cater for pupils with certain disabilities, including Down's Syndrome, over the period in question was as follows:

	1991	1992	1993	1994	1995
No of posts	30	38	38	38	38

Information on the number of children currently in receipt of a visiting teacher service and the number of schools involved is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible. I should point out that in addition to the visiting teacher service, children with disabilities attending ordinary national schools may also receive support from the resource teacher service. A total of 38 resource teachers are currently in place. The role of the resource teacher is to provide support to ordinary teaching staff in dealing with children with disabilities, including Down's Syndrome, attending ordinary classes on an integrated basis.

The resource teacher model would be used where a significant number of children with disabilities are identified in one school or in a group of adjacent schools. I am keeping the question of need in these areas under ongoing review in the context of available resources.