Vol. 495 No. 7
696 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the application by Scoil Shailearna, Indreabhán, Contae na Gaillimhe, for the appointment of a temporary assistant for the school year 1998 to 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21303/98]
The application from Scoil Sailearna for additional staffing is being examined within my Department. An inspector has been asked to visit the school and to submit a report on the present position. As soon as this report has been received, the staffing needs of the school will be reviewed. The school's managerial authorities will be duly notified of the outcome.
697 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will reconsider the decision of his Department to ask the remedial teacher in Claregalway and Carnmore national schools, County Galway, to take on the extra responsibility of another national school in view of the fact that the workload is fully committed in the Claregalway and Carnmore national schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21305/98]
I understand that the number of pupils attending the two schools in question, who are eligible for remedial support on the basis of criteria laid down by my Department, is significantly below that required to support a full-time remedial teacher.
I further understand that following a review of remedial needs, my Department's inspectorate recommended that a third school be added to the caseload of the remedial teacher attached to Claregalway and Carnmore national schools.
As Minister for Education and Science I am committed to ensuring that all available special support services are utilised to maximum effect. In the circumstances outlined above, I do not consider that any reconsideration of the arrangements in place is necessary at this time.
