Vol. 489 No. 5
136 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will appoint a resource teacher to a school (details supplied) in County Meath in view of the fact they have one and a half hours per week with the teacher who covers five schools in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8429/98]
My capacity to allocate additional resource teacher posts in any given year is dependent on resource availability and the level of competing demand from other special needs areas. I have to determine priorities and allocate available resources to best effect. I am currently reviewing provision across the special needs area, including the resource teacher area, to ensure that all available resources for the forthcoming school year will be deployed as effectively as possible. I can assure the Deputy that the needs of the school to which he refers will be fully considered in the context of any additional resource teacher allocations which may be undertaken.
