Michael Creed
Question:93 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education whether she has received an application for the establishment of a special class (details supplied) in County Cork; and if so, the current position in this regard. [17238/96]
Written Answers. - County Cork Schools.
Joe Walsh
Question:94 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Education if she will have arrangements made to sanction a resource teacher between schools (details supplied) in County Cork. [17031/96]
Joe Walsh
Question:96 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Education if she will have arrangements made to provide a resource class for children with moderate learning disabilities to a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [17033/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 93, 94 and 96 together.
I am aware that the schools in question have applied for a resource teacher post as well as special classes to cater for a number of special needs pupils. The schools' applications are currently being considered within my Department.
My capacity to allocate resource teacher posts in any year is determined by resource availability and the level of competing demand from other special needs areas. As Minister for Education, I have to consider how best to deploy available resources across a wide range of special needs, including resource teacher needs.
The process of determining the number of additional posts available for allocation to special needs areas, including resource teacher posts, for the current school year has only recently been finalised. The process of assessing needs and selecting schools for receipt of these posts is now at an advanced stage. The needs of the schools in question are being considered in this context.
Joe Walsh
Question:95 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Education if she will sanction the re-appointment of a fifth teacher to the senior section of St. Patrick's boys national school in Skibbereen, County Cork. [17032/96]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that sanction was given on 11 September 1996 for the reappointment of the fourth assistant teacher at St. Patrick's boys' national school for the 1996-97 school year.