Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 Jun 1998

Vol. 493 No. 1

Written Answers. - Teaching Posts.

Dick Spring

Question:

106 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will sanction the appointment of a resource teacher from September 1998 to serve the needs of Down's Syndrome children attending mainstream schools in north Kerry. [15271/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

My capacity to allocate additional 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 resource teacher area, to ensure that all available resources are deployed as effectively as possible.

I can assure the Deputy that the needs of the children to whom he refers will be considered in the context of any additional resource teacher allocations which may be undertaken for the forthcoming school year.