Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 October 2004
132 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of vacancies for deaf teachers within the regional service; the regions involved; the plans she has to fill these posts; when each position became vacant; the measures taken to date to fill each post; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24912/04]
View answerMy Department is assessing the role of the visiting teacher service in the context of the level and range of teacher supports now being provided for children with special educational needs. I expect that the review will be completed within the current school term.
There are four vacancies in the visiting teacher service for hearing impaired or deaf pupils. The regions in question are Cavan, Monaghan and Leitrim; Galway; Wicklow, Carlow and Waterford; and north-east Cork. The position in the Cavan, Monaghan and Leitrim area is vacant since 31 August 2003 and the remaining three are vacant since 31 August 2004. A decision on the filling of vacancies, to which the Deputy refers, will be based on the outcome of the review.
133 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 531 and 532 of 29 September 2004 and correspondence (details supplied), if her Department will now accept that circumstances in regard to school staffing have now changed and the school is no longer over quota; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24922/04]
View answerPost-primary schools may apply to my Department for additional teaching hours to help cater for the needs of Traveller and non-national pupils enrolled. In situations where schools have over quota posts, my Department routinely requires that these posts be utilised to meet new and emerging needs within such schools, including the needs of Traveller and non-national pupils, where appropriate.
Following consideration of the application from the school concerned, my Department decided that the school should cater for the needs of the Traveller and non-national pupils enrolled from within its existing resources, which include 2.5 wholetime equivalent surplus posts. This case was referred to the independent appeals committee which upheld the original decision. This committee operates independently of my Department and its decisions are final.
In the event that there is any subsequent change in the staffing of the school which alters its quota position, my Department will be prepared to review the case. To date, no such change has been notified to my Department.
