Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Oct 1999

Vol. 509 No. 4

Written Answers. - School Staffing.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

364 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the reasons Mother of Divine Grace primary school, Ferndale Avenue, Dublin 11, is still without a resource teacher or classroom assistant; if he will guarantee the allocation of this resource teacher or classroom assistant to a school for more that the current year irrespective of class sizes in view of the current and future needs of a person (details supplied); the reason the computer has not been provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20787/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers.

A resource post was sanctioned on a shared basis to the school in question with effect from September 1999. That post was shared with three other schools and was based in Mother of Divine Grace school.

Following a recent review, the resource post is now shared with two other schools and will continue to be based in Mother of Divine Grace school.

The pupil referred to by the Deputy is currently on the caseload of the resource teacher. All resource posts are monitored on an ongoing basis to ensure that an appropriate response is available to pupils who have been assessed with special needs.

My Department's inspectorate is currently investigating the level of child care support required by the school in question. Officials from my Department will be contact with the school regarding this matter in the very near future.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that a grant towards the purchase of computer equipment has now been sanctioned and officials from my Department will be in touch with the school in the very near future.