Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Jun 1998

Vol. 492 No. 7

Written Answers. - Resource Teachers.

Ivor Callely

Question:

349 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science the benefits arising from the work of resource teachers in ordinary primary or second level schools, particularly in disadvantaged areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15078/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

Resource teachers provide a support service to individual special needs pupils attending ordinary schools. These pupils present with a variety of special needs. While the schools in question may have disadvantaged status, the determining factor in the allocation of such posts is the presence of special needs pupils in the school.

In addition to the service provided to the pupils concerned, the resource teachers provide advisory support and assistance to the other teachers within the school. As a result, the classroom teachers have a better understanding of the needs of the pupils and become aware of the degree of progress which the pupils can make if appropriate adaptation of the curriculum is made and revised teaching approaches are adopted.