Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 May 1998

Vol. 490 No. 7

Written Answers. - Teaching Posts.

Dan Neville

Question:

223 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, his Department has to increase the level of remedial teaching from three hours per week in a school (details supplied) in County Limerick in view of the fact that it is a three teacher school and in need of the service of a remedial teacher in excess of three hours per week. [10991/98]

Ivor Callely

Question:

248 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science the procedures for schools to avail of remedial or resource teachers particularly where the need for such support has been identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11217/98]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

260 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which his Department has identified the need for remedial teachers at primary and second level schools; the proposals, if any, he has to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11305/98]

Brian O'Shea

Question:

272 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will sanction the provision of a remedial teacher to Gurtagarry National School, Toomevara, County Tipperary, in view of the fact that for many years the board of management and parents' association have been making representations to his Department for this appointment. [11321/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 223, 248, 260 and 272 together.

My capacity to allocate additional remedial or resource teacher posts in any given year is dependent on resource availability and the level of competing demand from other special needs areas. I have to determine priorities and allocate available resources to best effect. I am currently reviewing provision across the special needs area, including the remedial and resource teacher area, to ensure that all available resources are deployed as effectively as possible.

I can assure the Deputies that the needs of the schools to which they refer will be considered in the context of any additional remedial or resource teacher allocations which may be undertaken for the forthcoming school year.

My Department recently undertook an exercise aimed at establishing the precise level of remedial need among primary schools. As part of this exercise, all primary schools have been invited to make fresh applications for support based on their present level of remedial need. Responses to this request are currently being received in my Department. My Department also has a record of all requests for remedial support at second level.

Schools wishing to apply for the services of a resource teacher should send a written application to my Department giving full details of the special needs of the children concerned. Schools should also keep their local inspectors fully informed of pupils with special needs.