Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 6 Nov 1997

Vol. 482 No. 5

Written Answers - Teacher Appointments.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

137 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science when his Department will appoint a remedial teacher to a group of schools (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the fact that, between them, there are 45 children in need of remedial teaching and these are the only schools in the area without access to a remedial teacher. [18402/97]

Brendan Daly

Ceist:

144 Mr. Daly asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, his Department has to appoint a remedial teacher to a group of national schools (details supplied) in County Clare. [18409/97]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 137 and 144 together.

In March 1997 the outgoing Minister for Education agreed staffing arrangements for primary schools for the 1997-98 school year with the Irish National Teachers' Organisation.

These agreed arrangements were based on the allocation of surplus posts available for redistribution from the demographic dividend for the 1997-98 school year and included the allocation of 51 remedial teacher posts to primary schools with effect from September 1997. These posts were allocated on the basis of priority of need for remedial tuition.

Accordingly, I am not in a position at present to allocate additional remedial teacher posts to primary schools. I am at present reviewing provision across the special needs area, including current responses to remedial needs, to ensure that all available resources are deployed as effectively as possible.

I can assure the Deputies that the needs of the schools to which they refer will be fully considered in the context of any additional allocation of special supports which may be undertaken.