Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 13 May 1998

Vol. 491 No. 1

Written Answers. - Teaching Posts.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

122 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will outline his proposals for the appointment of remedial teachers in national schools for the 1998-9 academic year; the expected number of appointments he will make; if he will consider as a priority the provision of remedial teacher in schools that have no such service; if his attention has been drawn to the application for a remedial teacher for St. Anne's national school, Ardclough, Straffan, County Kildare; the proposals, if any, he has to provide a service to this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11492/98]

John McGuinness

Question:

124 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will appoint a remedial teacher to Glynn primary school, County Carlow, in view of the demand for this service and the fact that the original application was made in 1993; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11494/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 122 and 124 together.

I am aware that the schools in question have made application to my Department for inclusion in the remedial teaching service.

My capacity to allocate additional remedial 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 area, 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 considered in the context of any additional remedial teacher allocations which may be undertaken for the forthcoming school year.