Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 4 Mar 1998

Vol. 488 No. 2

Written Answers. - Remedial Education.

Michael P. Kitt

Question:

199 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) is included in a group of schools for a remedial teacher; the names of the schools in the grouping; and when a decision will be made to appoint a remedial teacher for this school. [5978/98]

Richard Bruton

Question:

207 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Scoil Mhuire is one of the few schools in Malin and Inishowen without the services of a remedial teacher; the estimated number of children who would benefit from this service in the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5986/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 199 and 207 together.

An application has been received by my Department for a remedial teacher to be appointed on a shared basis to Ballymacward, Gurteen, Castleblakeney and Menlough national schools, County Galway.

My Department has also received an application for a remedial teacher to be appointed on a shared basis to Scoil Mhuire, Malin Head, County Donegal. However, the school has not submitted details of the number of pupils requiring the service. My Department's inspectorate is currently investigating this matter.

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 currently 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.