Vol. 500 No. 2
58 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has satisfied himself that sufficient resources are available to meet requirements as set out by the various schools at primary and second levels for remedial teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3611/99]
At present, there are 1,302 remedial teachers in place in the primary system. A further 350 remedial teachers are in place at second level.
I recently announced a major new initiative to tackle educational disadvantage at all levels. As part of this initiative, arrangements are being made to extend the remedial teaching service to all first and second level schools with effect from September next.
A total of 450 additional teacher posts are being made available to facilitate the extension of the remedial service to all first and second level schools and to extend the home-school-community liaison service to all first and second level schools which have disadvantaged status.
My Department is now engaged in a detailed exercise aimed at identifying all schools which are currently without a remedial service with a view to putting the necessary service in place from September. Mainstream schools with a pupil teacher ratio of below 10:1 and who currently have no service, may apply for a service where they can demonstrate the particular needs of their pupils. I have also made available an additional £400,000 to meet special equipment needs of children with disabilities. I am satisfied that the necessary resources are available to support the extension of the remedial service to all schools at first and second level.
