I propose to take Questions Nos. 391 and 394 together.
I am aware that the school in question has applied to my Department for a resource teacher. I can assure the Deputy that I would not regard it as reasonable to expect a remedial teacher to deal adequately with 70 children.
I recently announced a major new initiative in the special education area under which all children assessed as having special educational needs will be entitled to an automatic response to those needs. The level and nature of the response in each case will depend on the assessed needs of the child or group of children involved. The response may take the form of resource teacher support or child care support, or both, depending on the number of children involved and the nature of their needs.
My Department's inspectorate is currently investigating the special education needs of pupils attending Pope John Paul II national school, including those requiring a remedial service. A decision on the special support services required by the school will be based on the inspectorate's findings.
I understand that the investigation is almost complete and that the inspector's report is expected shortly. Once the report is received, my Department will proceed with the allocation of the appropriate resources as speedily as possible.