I propose to take Questions Nos. 272 and 273 together.
One of the key priority areas in the Government's programme, An Action Programme for the Millennium, is the commitment to give primary education a clear priority in allocating resources, including the provision of remedial teachers and resources for special learning difficulties.
I assure the Deputy that it is my intention to honour this commitment in the years ahead. As part of this process, I am reviewing provision across the entire special needs area, including the remedial area, to ensure that all resources which become available are utilised to maximum effect.
As far as the distribution of any demographic dividend or other extra resources which become available in 1998 or 1999 is concerned, I assure the Deputy that I will be attaching priority to the special needs areas, including the remedial area. However, no decisions have been taken at this stage regarding such allocations.
My Department has received an application for a remedial service from the schools mentioned by the Deputy.