Michael Ring
Question:71 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of remedial teachers which serve clusters of more than five schools. [12818/99]
Written Answers. - School Staffing.
The information requested by the Deputy concerning the number of remedial teachers which serve clusters of more than five schools is not readily available in my Department.
Work is currently taking place in my Department on the extension of the remedial service to all first and second level schools with effect from September next. This process will involve changes to some of the existing clusters of schools served by a remedial teacher, including possibly clusters involved more than five schools.
Details of the precise composition of any revised clusters arising from the extension of the service are not yet available.
Michael Ferris
Question:72 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of appeals which his Department has received in relation to the administration of allocation of posts of responsibility in community schools; if he has satisfied himself that his Department circular letter on the PCW (CL 15/97) is being adhered to in all cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12797/99]
I understand that boards of management of community and comprehensive schools are adhering to the terms of Circular 15/97 in relation to selection for appointment to assistant principal and special duties teacher posts.
The appeals procedure outlined in Circular 15/97 provides that appeals be referred to an agreed arbitrator for decision. Where the arbitrator's decision is to reject the appeal, the board of management will so inform the appellant and request my Department to sanction the post. Where the arbitrator's decision is to uphold the appeal, the procedure provides for it to be referred to me for determination.
To date appeals from eight teachers in five community/comprehensive schools have been referred for determination.