Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 May 2004
124 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when EU regulations pertaining to salary payments to part time teachers employed in special teaching schools will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13990/04]
View answer125 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when PPF will be paid to part time teachers employed in special teaching schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13991/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 124 and 125 together.
The revised rates of pay for part-time teachers in primary schools, including those employed in special schools, will be implemented as quickly as possible. Contact will be made with the management authorities of the schools in question as part of this process.
126 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if and when provision will be made available for extra resources to facilitate the urgent need for extra classes for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13992/04]
View answerThe pupil in question is currently in receipt of five hours resource teaching per week together with special needs assistant support in the school referred to by the Deputy. I understand that he is awaiting a placement in a special class for pupils with autism in the area. There are currently ten special classes for children with autistic spectrum disorder operating in primary schools in the Kildare area at a pupil teacher ratio of six to one. My Department also provides funding for the Saplings project, a facility sanctioned on a pilot basis which uses applied behavioural analysis methodologies for children with autism. A total of 30 children are currently enrolled in this facility. In addition, my Department is currently liaising with a primary school in the Kildare area regarding the establishment of two additional special classes for pupils with autism.
It is my intention that all children, including children with autistic spectrum disorders, receive education appropriate to their needs.
