I propose to take Questions Nos. 512 and 529 together.
I am aware of the case to which Deputy Bruton refers. The school in question has applied to my Department for the appointment of a resource teacher to assist a number of pupils with special needs, including the child mentioned by Deputy Bruton.
My capacity to allocate additional remedial or 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 and remedial area, to ensure that all available resources are deployed as effectively as possible.
I have already indicated my intention that all national schools will be given access to a remedial resource over the next two years. I can assure the Deputies that the needs of the school to which they refer will be considered in the context of any additional remedial or resource teacher allocations which may be undertaken for the forthcoming school year.