Austin Deasy
Question:369 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will consider reducing the number of pupils required for a three teacher school. [14572/01]
Written Answers. - School Staffing.
Under the agreed staffing schedule for the 2001-02 school year the appointment and retention figure for the third teaching post was reduced to 51 pupils. This represents a huge improvement from the current school year where the appointment figure was 56.
The staffing schedule for a particular year is finalised following discussions with the education partners. The details of the staffing schedule for the 2001-02 school year were issued to the managerial authorities of primary schools recently.
The matter of improving the appointment and retention figure for the third teaching post in the 2002-03 school year will be considered at the discussions with the education partners in the context of a limited number of teaching posts for allocation to meet a wide range of demands for additional resources.
If the board of management of a school believes that there are children with special educational needs who require additional teaching assistance, they should contact their inspector with the details.
Batt O'Keeffe
Question:370 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science when it is likely that a resource teacher will be provided for Coláiste Mhuire, Crosshaven, County Cork. [14891/01]
My Department has allocated half a resource teacher post to this school to cater for the special needs pupils currently attending the school. The authorities of the school have indicated that another special needs pupil will be attending the school next year. They have been advised to submit an assessment and school report which would outline the extra provision that may be needed to cater for this pupil. When this report has been received and considered by my Department the school authorities will be notified of the decision in the matter.