Michael P. Kitt
Ceist:111 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Minister for Education the proposals, if any, she has to appoint remedial teachers to primary schools in rural areas in 1997; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1331/97]
Written Answers. - Teacher Appointments.
Brendan Smith
Ceist:128 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Education the proposals, if any, she has to appoint additional remedial teachers at primary level in County Cavan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1907/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 111 and 128 together.
I am not in a position at present to allocate additional remedial teachers to primary schools.
Since my appointment as Minister for Education, I have allocated an additional 241 remedial teachers to the primary sector. A total of 1,188 remedial teachers are now in place and the percentage of pupils who have access to a remedial service has increased from 77 per cent to 87 per cent.
However, as Minister for Education, I have to consider how best to deploy available resources across a wider range of special needs. I have to determine priorities and try to allocate resources to best effect.
In the current school year, I have adopted a particular focus on children who suffer from educational disadvantage and have sought to target resources into this area in an effort to break the cycle of disadvantage. As part of this approach. I launched a major new initiative aimed at bringing special targeted assistance to children in selected urban and rural areas who suffer serious educational disadvantage.
I am satisfied that since my appointment as Minister for Education I have achieved substantial advances across the entire spectrum of special needs, including the remedial area. It is my intenton to continue this process.