Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 19 Mar 1997

Vol. 476 No. 5

Written Answers - Primary Schools Funding.

Liam Fitzgerald

Ceist:

179 Mr. L. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Education the representations, if any, she has received from the INTO in relation to what was referred to by numerous teachers as an inadequate level of funding of primary schools in relation to the provision of services for difficult children, in terms of assessments, long waiting periods and inappropriate placement of very difficult children who are disruptive in ordinary classes; if she will target special resources to address these serious, special and essential services; if she will review the case made by a school (details supplied) in Dublin 13 for additional funds to enable this school to target these special and essential services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7651/97]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

My Department has continuing contact with the INTO in relation to a wide range of issues relating to primary education, including the matters to which the Deputy refers.

Since becoming Minister for Education I have introduced a number of measures to address the problems of difficult or diruptive children. In 1995, I introduced a pilot teacher counsellor scheme with the specific aim of addressing those problems. A total of 27 teacher counsellors have been allocated to selected schools in the north inner city and Clondalkin areas of Dublin. The scheme will be extended in accordance with available resources.

In addition, a pilot psychological service for primary schools was introduced in 1990. I extended the service and established it on a permanent basis in 1994. The focus of the service is on conducting assessments on pupils whose difficulties are preceived to be acute. There are now 14 psychologists serving primary schools in disadvantaged areas in Dublin, Cork and Limerick. One of these psychologists is assigned to work with the school to which the Deputy refers.

In cases of serious disruptive behaviour, the needs of the child may be such as to warrant placement in one of a range of special schools or classes for children with emotional disbturbance.

I am aware of the case made by the school to which the Deputy refers. I can assure the Deputy that the needs of this school will be fully considered when I am next in a position to allocate additional resources to special needs children in the primary sector.