Vol. 483 No. 3
356 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will appoint a remedial teacher at Garranbane national school, Dungarvan, County Waterford following the publication of the Book of Estimates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20076/97]
357 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will appoint a remedial teacher to Coolnasmear national school, Dungarvan, County Waterford following the publication of the Book of Estimates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20077/97]
360 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will appoint a remedial teacher to a school (details supplied) in County Limerick. [20080/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 356, 357 and 360 together.
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 for the 1997-98 school year and included the allocation of additional remedial teacher posts to primary schools with effect from September 1997. Accordingly, I am not in a position at present to allocate additional remedial teacher posts to primary schools.
I am reviewing provision across the special needs area, including current responses to remedial needs, to ensure that all available resources are deployed as effectively as possible. I can assure the Deputies that the needs of the schools to which they refer will be fully considered in the context of any additional allocation of special supports which may be undertaken.
