Vol. 473 No. 3
149 Mr. E. Ryan asked the Minister for Education whether she has made a decision on appointing a special class teacher and a special resource teacher to Saint Patrick's Boys National School, Ringsend, Dublin 4; if not, when she will make a decision in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25185/96]
My Department is currently considering an application from the school in question for the establishment of a special class for children with mild mental handicap. I understand that this consideration is nearing completion and that the school in question will be contacted in the near future.
I understand that the reference to a special resource teacher relates to the school's request for a concessionary teacher post under the disadvantaged areas scheme to address problems of disadvantage in the school. The school in question is already included in the disadvantaged areas scheme and as such is already in receipt of additional special funding and a shared concessionary post.
I am not in a position at present to allocate additional concessionary posts to disadvantaged schools. The needs of the school will be considered in the event of further such posts becoming available.
