Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Mar 2001

Vol. 533 No. 4

Written Answers. - School Staffing.

Seán Barrett

Question:

179 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will confirm the appointment of a full time remedial teacher to Guardian Angels national school, Newtownpark Avenue, Blackrock, County Dublin, as a matter of urgency. [9135/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

I understand that the school to which the Deputy refers already has the services of a remedial teacher on a full-time basis.

In September 1999, the remedial teaching service was extended to all primary schools in the country with a pupil teacher ratio of 10:1 or above. Schools with lower pupil:teacher ratios were advised that they could seek a remedial service if they could demonstrate a need for such a service. All available remedial teacher posts have been allocated as part of the process of extending the service on a nation-wide basis.

I can assure the Deputy that the needs of Guardian Angels national school will be taken fully into account in the event of additional remedial teacher posts becoming available for allocation.