Michael Ring
Question:388 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science when an extra resource or remedial teacher will be provided for a cluster of schools (details supplied) in County Mayo. [7215/98]
Written Answers. - Remedial Teachers.
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 distribution from the demographic dividend for the 1997-98 school year.
A total of 54 remedial teacher posts and 32 resource 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 and resource tuition.
I am currently reviewing provision across the special needs area, including current responses to remedial and resource teacher needs, to ensure that all available resources are deployed as effectively as possible.
I can assure the Deputy that the needs of the schools to which he refers will be fully considered in the context of any additional remedial or resource teacher allocations which may be undertaken.