Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Feb 1999

Vol. 500 No. 4

Written Answers. - Remedial Teaching Services.

Bernard Allen

Question:

371 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will sanction an additional remedial teacher to St. Vincent's convent school, Cork, in order that the needs of the more disadvantaged pupils can be met (details supplied). [4124/99]

Billy Timmins

Question:

380 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, there are to increase the time allocation of the remedial teacher at Talbotstown national school, Talbotstown, Kiltegan, County Wicklow, in view of the fact it has to share a remedial teacher with five other schools and have the task of deciding who is in most need of the service. [4288/99]

Billy Timmins

Question:

381 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science if the promised extra teachers for the coming school year will provide extra remedial teaching hours; and if not, if they will be employed in mainstream education. [4289/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 371, 380 and 381 together.

My priority at present is to ensure that all schools currently without a remedial teacher service will have access to such a service from September next. A total of 225 extra teacher posts are being made available at primary level to facilitate the extension of the remedial service to all primary schools and also to allow for the extension of the home-school-community liaison service to all primary schools with disadvantaged status. I can assure the Deputies that the needs of St. Vincent's convent school, Cork and Talbotstown national school, Kiltegan, County Wicklow, will be considered in the event of resources becoming available to improve existing remedial services.