Vol. 544 No. 2
159 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the need for the appointment of further resource teachers in the various schools in north Kildare; the numbers and the requirement; when he expects to make an increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28419/01]
Resource teacher posts are allocated to support children with special needs who are attending school on a fully integrated basis. The level of support provided in any individual case is based on the professionally assessed needs of the individual child.
There are 54 resource teachers in place in primary schools in County Kildare and a further 8.3 whole-time equivalent resource teacher posts in place in second level schools in the county.
160 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has received requests for the appointment of further remedial teachers in north Kildare; the number required; when he expects to make an increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28420/01]
Since 1999 the learning support – remedial – teacher service has been extended to all first and second level schools in the country with a pupil teacher ratio of 10:1 or more, including schools in County Kildare.
At present, a total of 56 learning support teachers are in place in primary schools in the county and a further 21.5 whole time equivalent learning support teacher posts are in place in second level schools.
I understand my Department has eight applications on hands seeking increased learning support services for schools in County Kildare.
I assure the Deputy that the needs of the schools in question will be fully considered in the event of additional learning support teacher posts becoming available for allocation.
