Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 Jan 1997

Vol. 473 No. 6

Written Answers. - Teacher Appointments.

Robert Molloy

Question:

201 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Education her views on the INTO proposal that all schools of 15 or more pupils should have an additional teacher appointed and those with fewer than 15 should have a full-time classroom assistant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2266/97]

Robert Molloy

Question:

203 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Education if she will make provision for an additional teacher to be appointed in one-teacher schools where there are more than 15 pupils; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2268/97]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 201 and 203 together.

Officials of my Department met with representatives from the INTO in December, 1996. At the meeting, the proposal relating to the provision of an additional teacher in all existing one teacher schools with 15 or more pupils was raised. A further meeting to discuss this proposal, together with a broad range of related matters, will be held shortly.

When available, posts of child care assistants are allocated by my Department to special schools and special classes catering for children with disabilities. I regret that I am not in a position to make child care assistant posts available to ordinary national schools.