Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Jan 1998

Vol. 486 No. 1

Written Answers. - Teacher Appointments.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

882 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will appoint a remedial teacher to Loughmore national school, County Tipperary in 1998 in view of the fact that for many years the board of management and parents association of this school have been making representations to the Department of Education and Science for this appointment and the fact that there is a strong case for a remedial teacher due to the vast number of pupils attending this school who would benefit from this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1611/98]

John Perry

Question:

889 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will appoint a remedial teacher on a shared basis for schools (details supplied) in County Sligo which have a total of 300 pupils and which is urgently required for this part of the county in view of the fact that there is no facility available to them, a matter which cannot be tolerated any longer particularly with the large investment in education; when this appointment will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1618/98]

Brian O'Shea

Question:

896 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will consider a request from a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary for two teachers, ex quota, for remedial education in the school in view of the fact that two permanent teachers in this school will be retiring from teaching in this school year which will result in a reduced work force to handle the remedial problem and it is vital that two teachers, ex quota, be provided to take a much needed and much expanded remedial scheme onto a meaningful plan where those badly needing help to read and write may be assisted in doing so. [1626/98]

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

898 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has in relation to the provision of remedial resources in County Donegal to deal with the large percentage of schools without this support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1674/98]

Gerry Reynolds

Question:

899 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will appoint a remedial teacher to a school (details supplied) in County Leitrim. [1678/98]

Gerry Reynolds

Question:

900 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will appoint a remedial teacher to a school (details supplied) in County Leitrim. [1679/98]

Brian O'Shea

Question:

903 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will consider appointing a remedial teacher as a matter of urgency to schools (details supplied) in County Tipperary in view of the fact that these schools have been applying unsuccessfully since 1994 for a remedial teacher and they have a strong case for a remedial teacher due to the fact that a number of pupils attending these schools would benefit greatly from this appointment. [1682/98]

John Bruton

Question:

913 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to an application made by the boards of management of schools (details supplied) in County Meath for a remedial teacher to serve the needs of both schools; and if he will appoint a teacher at the earliest possible opportunity. [1766/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 882, 889, 896, 898, 899, 900, 903, 913 and 930 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 51 remedial teacher posts to primary schools with effect from September 1997. These posts were allocated on the basis of priority of need for remedial tuition.

I am at present 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 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.