asked the Minister for Education if he will appoint remedial teachers at primary and post-primary level on an ex-quota basis; if he will take steps to allow teachers to qualify as remedial teachers in the same manner as guidance teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers . - Remedial Teachers .
10.
: As part of their initial training, all primary teachers study the theory and practice of remedial education and are equipped to cater for the needs of children of varying levels of ability. All of these teachers provide remedial education within the classroom. In addition, approximately 340 ex-quota assistants have been appointed to help with remedial work on a tutorial basis in national schools where the problem of backwardness is particularly acute.
My intention is to increase the number of such special posts from year to year while at the same time improving the overall pupil-teacher ratio. A number of additional special posts as remedial teacher will, therefore, be established in the coming school year. Inservice courses to supplement the teachers' basic training are provided annually. These courses are considered fully adequate to their purpose in scope and content, and no change is proposed.
In regard to the post-primary level would refer the Deputy to my reply on 17 November 1977, in relation to the matter of the appointment of remedial teachers.
Since the training courses for remedial teachers and for guidance teachers differ in fundamental respects, I do not consider that the same conditions should apply to the release of teachers to pursue the training courses in remedial education.
: On what grounds does the Minister not deem it worthy to have such inservice training allowed on the same basis as for guidance teachers?
: I did not say there was not any inservice training. I said the inservice training is not necessarily identical.
: Would the Minister not consider it worthy of making it similar in relation to time off allowed with pay?
: To guidance teachers?
: To remedial teachers.
: No.
: On what grounds?
: On the grounds that it is not necessary.
: Does the Minister not consider the matter of remedial teaching a high priority?
: The matter of remdial teaching is a high priority and adequate steps are being taken to train remedial teachers.