Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Feb 2003

Vol. 561 No. 4

Written Answers. - School Staffing.

David Stanton

Question:

304 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of applications received by his Department regarding primary school pupils for resource and special needs teacher support up to and including the most recent deadline; when he expects to be in a position to say whether resources will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4739/03]

David Stanton

Question:

305 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science when the next deadline will be with regard to resource and/or special needs teacher support for primary school pupils; if he has informed or will inform schools of this deadline in adequate time to enable them to submit applications on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4740/03]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 304 and 305 together.

My Department issued a circular to schools advising that the closing date for receipt of applications for resource teaching and special need assistant support for the final term of the current school year was the close of business on 7 February 2003. This date has since been extended to 14 February 2003 and schools were notified of this extension by the INTO. A total of 3,097 individual applications have been received by the extended deadline. Schools have been advised that a response to these applications will issue from my Department during the week commencing 7 April 2003.