Special Educational Needs.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 May 2005

Tuesday, 24 May 2005

Questions (337)

Richard Bruton

Question:

354 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in the context of the recent announcement to provide 600 additional permanent teachers in the area of special needs, she will consider allowing existing temporary or part-time teachers who have been teaching in this area for the past number of years and who do not have a bachelor of education degree or an equivalent educational qualification to apply for postings in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17048/05]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The introduction of the new general allocation system of resource teaching support involves the provision of an estimated additional 340 permanent posts in primary schools from September next. A further 320 posts are being provided on a temporary basis to facilitate the transition to the new system.

My Department has now issued a letter to all primary schools notifying them of their general allocation and their clustering arrangements, if appropriate. That letter also informed schools that boards of management are obliged to recruit and employ fully recognised and probated primary teachers for any vacancies arising from the introduction of the general allocation model. That decision has been taken on the basis that unqualified teachers should be employed only in exceptional circumstances and when all avenues for recruiting qualified personnel have been exhausted.

It is intended that a more comprehensive circular setting out further details of the general allocation model will be issued to schools before the end of the current school year.