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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 23 Nov 2000

Vol. 526 No. 5

Written Answers. - School Staffing.

John Perry

Question:

119 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Tubbercurry No. 2 national school in County Sligo has been withdrawn from the two new intended clusters for resource teachers in the area and the existing cluster, with one teacher, has ten schools at present, which is untenable for all concerned; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that even two teachers will be of little improvement when an appointment is made as more schools have been added; the steps he will take to address this matter in view of the fact the children are being denied their rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27144/00]

The school referred to by the Deputy is currently in receipt of a resource teaching support service provided by my Department. My Department's inspectorate is currently conducting a review of resource teaching support services in the Sligo area, including the requirements of the school in question.

Officials in my Department will be in touch with all of the school authorities concerned when the review is completed and a decision has been reached.

John Perry

Question:

120 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science when the services of an educational psychologist will assess pupils in relation to the special needs education at Tubbercurry, No. 2 school, County Sligo; his views on whether, when assessed, the children requiring support and special education should be given it; if an appointment will be immediately made in view of the totally inadequate facilities that currently exist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27145/00]

I am aware of the difficulties that have been experienced by some parents in gaining access to psychological assessments, pending the appointment of a full quota of psychologists in the National Educational Psychological Agency. I have therefore asked NEPS to develop, in consultation with officials of my Department, some short-term strategies to alleviate the problem.

The school referred to by the Deputy is currently in receipt of resource teaching support in respect of one pupil. My Department has not received an application for additional resource teaching or child care support from this school. Any further application for resources will be given full consideration.

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