Noel Dempsey
Question:168 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for Education the number of remedial teachers appointed to Meath schools in 1996 and 1997; and the plans, if any, she has to appoint extra teachers in the coming months. [8833/97]
Written Answers - Teacher Appointments.
Cecilia Keaveney
Question:188 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education the current position in relation to remedial provision for schools in County Donegal for the academic year 1997-8; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8986/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 168 and 188 together.
Of the 55 additional remedial teacher posts allocated to primary schools for the 1995-96 school year, three were appointed to schools in County Meath. No additional posts were allocated during the current school year. A total of 34 remedial teachers are currently in place in primary schools in County Meath. The number of such posts in County Donegal is 37.
I am not in a position at present to indicate whether additional remedial teacher posts will be made available to primary schools for the 1997-98 school year.
My capacity to allocate additional remedial teacher posts in any year is determined by resource availability in that year and the level of competing demands from other special needs areas. The position regarding the 1997-98 school year has not yet been decided.
As Minister for Education, I have to consider how best to deploy available resources across a wide range of special needs, including the need for additional remedial teacher posts. 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 remedial area. It is my intention to continue this process.