Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:198 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education if she will establish a panel of teachers for special primary schools in view of the special skills by teachers in these schools.
Written Answers. - Special Primary Teachers' Panel.
I am satisfied that current arrangements governing the appointment of teachers to special primary schools are sufficient to ensure that the necessary level of teaching skills are available to such schools.
Fully qualified primary school teachers and Montessori trained teachers recognised by my Department can be appointed to teach in special schools. Such appointments are made either through the diocesan panel system or by way of interview.
In addition, a special national panel was established in 1992 to facilitate the re-deployment within the special school system of existing special school teachers whose qualifications have been recognised for teaching in special schools but not in ordinary primary schools.
All teachers in special schools are facilitated in undertaking a Diploma Course in Special Education.