Brendan Smith
Question:46 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Education the proposals, if any, she has to appoint additional remedial teachers at primary level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10180/97]
Written Answers. - Teacher Appointments.
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 such allocations for the 1997-98 school year is currently being considered.
As Minister for Education, I have to consider how best to deploy available resources across a wide range of special needs, including the remedial area. I have to establish priorities and seek to allocate available resources to best effect.
There are currently 1,188 remedial teachers in the primary sector. Some 241 of these were appointed since I took office. The service is now available to 87 per cent of primary pupils, an increase from 77 per cent when I took office.
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 teacher area. It is my intention to continue this process.