Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 5 Feb 1998

Vol. 486 No. 5

Written Answers. - Teacher Appointments.

Michael Ring

Question:

89 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science when a second teacher will be supplied to a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if a teaching assistant could be provided immediately if a qualified teacher is not available for the academic year 1997-98. [2917/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

In March 1997, the outgoing Minister for Education agreed staffing arrangements for primary schools for the current school year with the Irish National Teachers' Organisation. These agreed arrangements were based on the allocation of all surplus posts available for redistribution from the demographic dividend.

An Action Programme for the Millennium contains a commitment to give primary education a clear priority in allocating resources. In this context, the programme specifically states that one teacher schools with ten or more pupils will receive a second teacher. There are 103 one teacher primary schools with ten or more pupils in the country which includes the school to which the Deputy refers.

Since there are no teaching posts available for allocation to these schools, I am examining a range of options with a view to identifying the most appropriate way to fulfil the Government's commitments to one teacher schools.

My Department's capacity to allocate child care assistant posts in any year is entirely dependent on resource availability and the level of competing demand across the special needs area. Where such posts do become available, they are allocated on the basis of priority of need.

To date, all such posts have been targeted on special schools and special classes catering specifically for children with disabilities.

I am reviewing provision across the special needs area to ensure all available resources are deployed as effectively as possible. I will be considering the issue of child care assistant support as part of this review.