Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Nov 1997

Vol. 482 No. 3

Written Answers. - Teacher Appointments.

Ivan Yates

Question:

373 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a post primary school (details supplied) in County Wexford has not been granted a home school liaison teacher, remedial teacher or resource teacher; the reason it does not receive additional funding under the disadvantaged status given to other schools in County Wexford; if his Department will rectify this anomaly and ensure that favourable support is given to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17814/97]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that there are many competing demands for increased funding in all sectors of education. These demands are considered within the overall budgetary constraints. The position of this school will be kept under review and will be considered when next it is possible to allocate additional ex-quota remedial, resource and home school liaison posts.

Disadvantaged status is granted to second level schools which were allocated disadvantaged posts under my Department's disadvantaged areas scheme. These posts were allocated on the basis of criteria agreed between representatives of school management, the teacher unions, parents and my Department. Schools were ranked in order of merit and the posts were allocated accordingly.

I wish to assure the Deputy that this school will be given full consideration in the context of any further expansion of the scheme.