asked the Minister for Education the number of remedial teachers sanctioned for the school years 1973-74, 1974-75 and 1975-76; and the number of requests for sanction which were turned down in 1975-76.
15.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Remedial Teachers.
14.
asked the Minister for Education why this year's courses for remedial teachers have been cancelled; and the number who have been trained within the past three years.
16.
asked the Minister for Education the number of remedial teachers sanctioned by him ex-quota for the years 1973-74, 1974-75 and 1975-76.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 14, 15 and 16 together.
In the case of national schools it is possible to identify the number of extra remedial teachers sanctioned as follows: 1973-74, 70; 1974-75, 100; 1975-76, Nil.
In the case of second-level schools it is not possible to effect a similar identification of teachers specifically employed for remedial work.
In either case it is not the practice to record the number of requests for sanction which are turned down.
In the matter of in-service courses for remedial teachers the position is that such courses had been attended by 405 primary and 235 second-level teachers up to 1974-75. It was not found possible to continue these courses in the financial circumstances of 1975-76. Whilst I am anxious that the courses be resumed as soon as possible and that the qualified teachers be recognised as additional to normal school staffs, I can give no undertaking in this regard until the overall provision for education within the 1976 Estimates has been decided.
In view of what the Minister said, do I take it that he is not able to say how many ex-quota remedial teachers were sanctioned for the years mentioned?
I have answered that. The form of the Deputy's question suggests that he believes there is a specific grade of remedial teacher. He knows very well there is no such grade in second level schools.
I know there is such a thing as the quota. I am asking the Minister how many ex-quota remedial teachers were sanctioned by his Department. This information is quite easily come by.
It is not possible to answer the Deputy's question in specific terms without an exhaustive examination of all cases over the last few years in which the need to provide for remedial education to a greater or lesser extent may have been advanced as one of the reasons to justify the employment of additional teachers. Such cases are not always presented on the basis of catering for remedial needs alone.
Would I be right in thinking that the Minister has not sanctioned any remedial teachers ex-quota for the year 1975-76?
I have answered the question. It is not possible to give the details in the manner in which the Deputy wishes to have them.
May I specifically ask the Minister how much was the estimated savings arising from the cancellation of these courses?
If the Deputy puts down a specific question on that point I will give him the information.
In view of the fact that budgetary restraints from 1975 did not permit the holding of such courses——
Would the Deputy say that again?
——could the Minister tell me the estimated cost of such courses? Surely that information should be available today?
I told the Deputy that if he puts down a specific question I will answer it in detail.