Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Nov 1997

Vol. 482 No. 8

Written Answers. - Remedial Teacher Appointments.

Michael Creed

Question:

272 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science if the appointment of additional remedial teachers for 1998 and 1999 will be dependent on the demographic dividend; and if he will appoint additional remedial teachers over and above the number of positions becoming available due to declining enrolment. [19405/97]

Michael Creed

Question:

273 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department has received a request from schools (details supplied) in County Cork for the appointment of a remedial teacher; if he will give details of the current position regarding this application; and if he will outline the Government's proposals, if any, regarding the appointment of remedial teachers for 1998. [19406/97]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 272 and 273 together.

One of the key priority areas in the Government's programme, An Action Programme for the Millennium, is the commitment to give primary education a clear priority in allocating resources, including the provision of remedial teachers and resources for special learning difficulties.

I assure the Deputy that it is my intention to honour this commitment in the years ahead. As part of this process, I am reviewing provision across the entire special needs area, including the remedial area, to ensure that all resources which become available are utilised to maximum effect.

As far as the distribution of any demographic dividend or other extra resources which become available in 1998 or 1999 is concerned, I assure the Deputy that I will be attaching priority to the special needs areas, including the remedial area. However, no decisions have been taken at this stage regarding such allocations.

My Department has received an application for a remedial service from the schools mentioned by the Deputy.

In March 1997, the outgoing Minister for Education agreed staffing arrangements for primary schools for the 1997-98 school year with the Irish National Teachers' Organisation. These agreed arrangements were based on the allocation of surplus posts available for redistribution from the demographic dividend of the 1997-98 school year and included the allocation of 51 remedial posts to primary schools with effect on September 1997. These posts were allocated on the basis of priority of need for remedial tuition. Unfortunately, the schools mentioned by the Deputy were not included on that occasion. However, I assure the Deputy that the needs of these schools will be taken fully into account in the context of any additional resource allocations undertaken in the future.