Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 Jul 1996

Vol. 468 No. 4

Written Answers. - Resource Teacher Posts.

Mary Wallace

Question:

527 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Education the number of applications for resource teachers for children with disabilities which her Department has received from each county; the number of applications which have been successful; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15902/96]

Mary Wallace

Question:

541 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Education if she will consider the provision of a resource teacher to Rathbeggan National School, County Meath, on a shared basis with Dunshaughlin and Ratoath National Schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15968/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 527 and 541 together.

The information requested by the Deputy regarding the number of applications for resource teachers for children with disabilities which my Department has received from each county is not readily available within my Department. However, if the Deputy requires information in relation to a particular school, my Department will be happy to supply details on request.

I am not in a position at present to make additional resource teacher posts available to any primary schools.

Since my appointment as Minister for Education, I have allocated an additional 241 remedial teachers and 29 resource teachers to the primary sector. A total of 1,188 remedial teachers and 36 resource teachers are now in place. These posts were allocated on the basis of priority of need following recommendations from the Department's Primary Inspectorate and having regard to the data supplied by the schools. I consider that the substantial improvements which I have already achieved in this area provide practical confirmation of my commitment to the needs of the children in question.

However, as Minister for Education I have to consider how best to deploy available resources across a wider range of special needs. I have to determine priorities and try to allocate resources to best effect.

During the period 1994-95, in addition to allocating an extra 155 remedial teachers and 23 resource techers, I adopted a particular focus on the needs of children attending special schools and classes. In addition to reducing the pupil teacher ratios in all such facilities, I provided a very substantial increase in the special capitation rates applicable in such cases.

In the current school year, I have adopted a particular focus on children who suffer from educational disadvantage and have sought to target resources into this area in an effort to break the cycle of disadvantage. As part of this approach, I recently launched a major new initiative aimed at bringing special targeted assistance to children in selected urban and rural areas who suffer serious educational disadvantage.

I am satisfied that since my appointment as Minister for Education I have achieved substantial advances across the entire spectrum of special needs, including the resource teaching area. It is my intention to continue this process.