Vol. 486 No. 3
273 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will sanction the appointment of a remedial teacher for Kill national school; if his attention has been drawn to the necessity of this appointment in view of the number of children in need of this teacher and in view of the long-term effect it may have on their future education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2498/98]
274 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will announce the appointment of remedial teachers; if he will give priority to a school (details supplied) in County Cavan in this regard; and his views on whether every child is entitled to a good education and that this appointment would ensure this. [2499/98]
287 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has received a motion from a school (details supplied) in County Mayo in relation to the appointment of a remedial teacher; and if he will make a decision on this matter urgently. [2555/98]
296 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science to confirm the plans, if any, he has to appoint a second remedial teacher in the Achill area, County Mayo, which has a ten-school cluster. [2652/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 273, 274, 287 and 296 together. I am aware of the cases made by the schools in question in support of their applications for a remedial service.
In March 1997, the outgoing Minister for Education agreed staffing arrangements for primary schools for the next school year with the Irish National Teachers' Organisation. These arrangements were based on the allocation of surplus posts available for redistribution from the demographic dividend for the 1997-98 school year.
A total of 54 remedial teacher posts have been allocated to primary schools, with effect from September 1997. These posts were allocated on the basis of priority of need for remedial tuition.
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 assure the Deputies that the needs of the schools to which they refer will be fully considered in the context of any additional remedial teacher allocations which may be undertaken.
