Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Mar 1999

Vol. 502 No. 3

Written Answers. - School Staffing.

Austin Currie

Question:

659 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide a resource counsellor or a second remedial teacher for St. Philip's senior national school, Mountview, Clonsilla, Dublin 15, in view of its location in an area of social and economic deprivation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8419/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I am aware that a case has been made to my Department for the appointment of a support teacher, formerly referred to as a teacher counsellor, to the school in question. The operation of this service is being monitored by my Department's inspectorate on an ongoing basis. The question of any future expansion of the service will be considered in the light of experience with the existing service and having regard to available resources.

The school in question already has a remedial teacher service. My immediate priority in the remedial area is to extend the service to all first and second level schools which currently have no such service. Arrangements are being made to extend the remedial service to these schools from September next.

I can assure the Deputy that the needs of the school to which he refers will be fully considered in the event of any further expansion of the support teacher or remedial teacher service being undertaken.