Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:49 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, he has for a universal system of remediation promised for September 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7781/99]
Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.
Arrangements are currently being made to extend the remedial teacher service to every first and second level school in the country with effect from September next.
An additional 600 teacher posts are being made available from the commencement of the next school year. The priority focus of these posts will be to facilitate the extension of the remedial service at first and second level and to facilitate the extension of the home-school-community liaison service to every first and second level school which has disadvantaged status.
My Department is currently identifying schools which are without a remedial service and arranging for the delivery of the service to those schools. In some cases the small number of pupils involved may require that a post be shared with an adjacent school or schools. The precise number of posts which will be required for the extension of the service has not yet been finally determined. However, I am satisfied that the substantial allocation of additional posts to which I have referred will be adequate to meet the need.
Schools selected for receipt of a remedial service will be notified of their allocation as soon as possible.
The Deputy will appreciate that these improvements mark a significant development which will benefit schools throughout the country.