Bernard Allen
Question:38 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of additional remedial teachers which he plans to provide at primary and secondary level in the 1998-99 school year. [14960/98]
Written Answers. - Teaching Posts.
Ulick Burke
Question:55 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to provide remedial and resource teachers to national schools in County Galway in view of the fact that 190 teachers are available within the service in 1998 for allocation to these important areas as a result of pupil population decline; if he will make known his decision before the end of the school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14935/98]
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:95 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will appoint a resource teacher covering the primary schools in Skibbereen, west Cork. [14937/98]
I propose to take Questions No. 38, 55 and 95 together.
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.
With regard to remedial teachers, I have already indicated my intention to ensure that a remedial resource is available to every primary school in the country over the next two years. As a first step in this process, I intend to make an allocation of additional remedial teacher posts to primary schools for the forthcoming school year.
I am also giving active consideration to the need for additional resource teacher allocations for the forthcoming school year.
I expect to be in a position to make an announcement on the precise number of posts involved in the near future.
The needs of the schools to which the Deputies refer will be considered in the context of any additional remedial or resource teacher allocations which may be undertaken for the forthcoming school year.
The question of increasing the ex-quota remedial allocation to second-level schools will be considered in the context of available resources.