I propose to take Questions Nos. 400 and 418 together.
I am aware of the case made by the school in question for the allocation of a concessionary teacher post to address problems of educational disadvantage.
I am reviewing my Department's overall response to the problems of educational disadvantage. My objective is to ensure that all available resources are properly targeted so that children who are educationally disadvantaged receive the support necessary to enable them to maximise their potential in the education system.
The needs of the school to which they refer will be fully considered in the context of any additional resource allocations which may be undertaken to address educational disadvantage.
The role of the resource teacher is to act in support of ordinary teaching staff in meeting the special needs of children with disabilities in integrated settings. Resource teacher posts are allocated on the basis of priority of need. I recently allocated 26 such posts to primary schools with effect from September 1998. Unfortunately, the school in question was not successful in its application for a resource post on this occassion. In the event of additional resource teacher posts becoming available, the needs of this school will be fully considered.