Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 8 Feb 2000

Vol. 513 No. 6

Written Answers. - School Staffing.

John McGuinness

Question:

454 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department will reply to a complaint made by persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny regarding the appointment of a teacher for their profoundly deaf son; when a teacher will be appointed; and the steps, if any, his Department will take to make sure this situation does not arise again. [3466/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

My Department will be in contact with the parents in question in the next few days to advise them of development in relation to the matter raised by the Deputy.

The visiting teacher for the Kilkenny-South Tipperary area retired with effect from 31 August 1999. In accordance with agreed procedures, the resulting vacancy was advertised among the other visiting teachers in the service who had the option of transferring to the Kilkenny-South Tipperary area. One of the existing visiting teachers applied for the vacant post and will take up the position with effect from September next.

Pending the filling of this vacancy on a perma nent basis in September 2000 my Department advertised the post on a temporary basis in October 1999. Applicants for the post were interviewed and a suitable candidate was selected. The candidate in question was due to commence duty on 1 January 2000. However, shortly before she was due to take up duty, the successful candidate advised my Department that she was no longer available to take up the post.

The temporary vacancy in the Kilkenny-South Tipperary area was again advertised on Sunday, 6 February 2000 and applications from suitably qualified candidates are currently awaited. I can assure the Deputy that my Department will make every effort to fill this vacancy as soon as possible.