Vol. 485 No. 2
357 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science when a resource teacher will be provided to Moate national school, County Westmeath on a full-time basis in view of the fact that the necessity for this has been clearly set out in a submission to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22880/97]
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 26 resource teacher posts to primary schools with effect from September 1997. These posts were allocated on the basis of priority of need.
I am at present reviewing provision across the special needs area including current responses to resource teacher needs to ensure that all available resources are deployed as effectively as possible.
I assure the Deputy that the needs of the school to which he refers will be fully considered in the context of any additional allocation of special supports which may be undertaken.
