Vol. 487 No. 2
20 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has received the request from St. Philip's senior and junior national schools, Mountview, Clonsilla, Dublin 15 for a full time support teacher for the refugee pupils in both schools; and if he will make an immediate decision to grant this request in view of the urgent need for this service. [3669/98]
I understand that there are approximately 15 refugee pupils in total attending the schools to which the Deputy refers. Currently, the schools have the services of a visiting teacher who assists existing school staff in the management of the refugee pupils. I am not aware of a request having been received from the schools' managerial authorities for additional staffing resources. However, I have requested an inspector from my Department to visit the school in question immediately and report on the circumstances which pertain there. As soon as the inspector's report has been received, the matter will be reviewed thoroughly.
