Vol. 515 No. 2
230 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of extra teachers he will deploy in the school year 2000-01 at primary and at secondary levels; and the headings under which these teachers will be assigned, for example, general reduction in pupil-teacher ratio, extra remedial teaching and extra resource teaching. [5662/00]
At second level an additional 1,000 teaching posts will be created in the 2000-01 school year.
The Deputy will be aware that an expert group has been established to examine allocation and redeployment issues. Pending the outcome of the deliberations of the group, no decision has been taken on the actual allocation of the additional posts.
At primary level, 200 additional posts will be created primarily to tackle educational disadvantage. In addition, the number of posts arising from the demographic dividend is under examination and discussion with the education partners at present. Decisions on the manner in which these posts will be allocated in the 2000-01 school year will be taken following these discussions. The Deputy will be aware also that under the terms of the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, an additional 900 primary teachers will be appointed in the course of the next few years.
In relation to extra resource teaching posts, the Deputy will be aware that this Government has taken a series of important measures to assist children with disabilities in the education system.
In November 1998, my Department announced a major initiative for integrated education for children with special needs. This initiative provided the first ever automatic supports for many children with disabilities. The measures included the introduction of a formalised system of special teaching support for all children attending school on a fully integrated basis who have been assessed as having special educational needs.
Already, as a result of this development, my Department has allocated an additional 225 resource teachers to support children with special needs in the primary system. Additional resource teachers will be allocated as required to meet assessed needs.
