Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 Jul 1996

Vol. 468 No. 4

Written Answers. - Support for Teachers of Children with Disabilities.

Mary Wallace

Question:

532 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Education the level of support and training available to teachers in mainstream primary schools who have a child with significant disabilities and classroom assistants assigned to their classes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15911/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

All teachers receive some general training in dealing with children with special educational needs. Teachers in mainstream schools who have a child with a significant disability would generally receive support from the remedial and/or resource teacher if there is one available to the school.

The visiting teacher service operated by my Department provides an essential support for teachers and children with certain disabilities in ordinary national schools. There are currently 38 visiting teacher posts in place.

My Department supports a technology and special needs advisory service, based within the Technical Division at the Central Remedial Clinic, which offers teachers help and support in their use of technology as an aid toward helping pupils with special educational needs. It is particularly aimed at teachers who have pupils with special needs within their classes and who require special assistance in presenting curriculum material, or in obtaining technical help to allow the students access the curriculum.

A variety of in-career development courses are also provided for teachers on remedial and special education at various locations throughout the country.

My Department's in-career development unit will consider applications from teachers who wish to attend suitable courses which are relevant to their work with pupils with special needs.