Vol. 566 No. 5
77 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department has received an application almost a year ago, for a special needs teacher for a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath; if, in view of the number of pupils who require this teacher, a teacher will be appointed immediately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13230/03]
My Department allocates resource teacher posts, special needs assistant posts and concessionary teaching hours to second level schools to cater for pupils with special needs. Applications for such support are made to my Department by the relevant school authorities. Each case is considered on its merits and the nature and level of support provided is based on the professionally assessed needs of the individual pupils.
An application for special support services from the school in question was received by my Department. Following consideration of the application, my Department has approved an allocation of additional teaching hours and special needs assistant hours for the school in question to cater for the educational needs of special needs pupils.
