Vol. 492 No. 7
85 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has received the request from St. Philip's senior and junior national schools, Mountview, Clonsilla, Dublin 15, for a full-time support teacher for the refugee pupils in both schools; and if a decision will be made immediately in this regard in view of the urgent need for this service. [14817/98]
I can confirm that I have received a request from St. Philip's senior and junior national schools for a full-time support teacher.
A substantial level of support is being given by my Department to the refugee pupils in the Mountview schools through a visiting teacher service. A visiting teacher currently attends the Mountview schools for three and a half days per week. This service was set up to assist in the provision of intensive English language teaching for programme refugees.
The issue of the provision of an additional full-time support teacher for the refugee pupils has been examined by officials of my Department. Following this examination I regret that I am unable to accede to the school's request.
