Vol. 500 No. 1
391 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on whether it is acceptable for a remedial teacher to be expected to deal adequately with 70 children; and the plans, if any, he has to provide a resource teacher in schools located in growing areas such as north County Dublin, particularly in relation to Pope John Paul II national school, Malahide, County Dublin (details supplied). [3877/99]
394 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the urgent need for a resource teacher in Pope John Paul II national school, Malahide, County Dublin, in view of the fact the remedial teacher is dealing with 70 children and cannot give the kind of time that is needed for some children. [3197/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 391 and 394 together.
I am aware that the school in question has applied to my Department for a resource teacher. I can assure the Deputy that I would not regard it as reasonable to expect a remedial teacher to deal adequately with 70 children.
I recently announced a major new initiative in the special education area under which all children assessed as having special educational needs will be entitled to an automatic response to those needs. The level and nature of the response in each case will depend on the assessed needs of the child or group of children involved. The response may take the form of resource teacher support or child care support, or both, depending on the number of children involved and the nature of their needs.
My Department's inspectorate is currently investigating the special education needs of pupils attending Pope John Paul II national school, including those requiring a remedial service. A decision on the special support services required by the school will be based on the inspectorate's findings.
I understand that the investigation is almost complete and that the inspector's report is expected shortly. Once the report is received, my Department will proceed with the allocation of the appropriate resources as speedily as possible.
