The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the pupil/remedial teacher ratio per county, is in the form of a tabular statement which I propose to circulate in the Official Report.
I should point out that remedial teacher posts, when available, are allocated to applicant schools on the basis of priority of need, following the collection of data from schools by my Department's Primary Inspectorate. All schools seeking a remedial service are considered on this basis and geographic location is not in itself a determining factor.
In the current year, I have announced the appointment of an additional 86 remedial teachers, bringing the total number now in place to 1,032. As a result of this development, a remedial service is now available to 77 per cent of primary pupils nationwide. Following these latest appointments seven additional schools in County Roscommon have received a remedial service.
The Deputy will be aware of the Government's commitment to the appointment of a substantial number of additional remedial teachers in the coming years. He may be assured that in honouring this commitment, the needs of all schools, including schools in County Roscommon, will be fully taken into account.