Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 4 Mar 1998

Vol. 488 No. 2

Written Answers. - Teacher Appointments.

Richard Bruton

Question:

205 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the criteria, if any, applied in the past to the selection of schools for appointment of a resource teacher; the position of Lisnagry national school, Limerick in relation to each of these criteria and, in particular, the number of children with special education needs who would benefit from the services of a resource teacher; whether he will appoint resource teachers in 1998 using the same criteria; and if he will include Lisnagry. [5984/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

When available, resource teacher posts are allocated on the basis of priority of need to individual schools or clusters of schools with a number of pupils who have been assessed as having significant learning needs. Such needs would include those arising from a mental, sensory, emotional or physical disability.

I understand that four pupils attending Lisnagry national school have been identified as having such significant learning needs. I am currently reviewing provision across the special needs area, including the resource teacher area, to ensure that all available resources are deployed as effectively as possible.

I assure the Deputy that the needs of Lisnagry national school will be fully considered in the context of any additional resource teacher allocations which may be undertaken for the forthcoming school year.