School Staffing.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 September 2006

Wednesday, 27 September 2006

Questions (1185)

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

1256 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason that the advertisement for visiting teacher service for children with hearing and visual impairment for counties Galway and Roscommon only appeared in the public press on 1 September 2006, in view of the fact that pupils were returning to school on that day and that it will now be another 3-4 weeks before these posts will be filled and that as a result teaching days will be lost to pupils with hearing and visual impairment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28584/06]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

As soon as my Department became aware of the decision of the then Visiting Teacher serving the Galway area to seek a transfer to Dublin from 1st September 2006 it initiated the process to appoint a successor. Following interviews held in June 2006 a successor was appointed but she subsequently communicated her decision not to accept the appointment. The post was re-advertised in the national newspapers at the beginning of the school year with interviews to be held in October. In the meantime a part-time temporary appointment has been made. It is important to note in this context that the services of the Visiting Teacher supplement the education provided in the school setting.

Questions Nos. 1257 and 1258 answered with Question No. 1245.