Vol. 519 No. 5
329 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has received two applications from St. Brigid's, Kilcoole, County Wicklow to appoint a full-time remedial teacher, in view of the fact that there has been no improvement in remedial teacher levels in the past 15 years; and if he will grant this application. [14148/00]
I am aware that applications have been made by the school in question for the appointment of a full-time remedial teacher. In September 1999 the remedial teaching service was extended to all primary schools with a pupil teacher ratio of 10:1 or above. Schools with lower pupil teacher ratios were advised that they could seek remedial support where they could demonstrate a need for such a service.
All available posts were utilised in the current school year to ensure that no primary school in the country should be without a remedial teaching service. However, I assure the Deputy that the remedial needs of St. Brigid's, Kilcoole, will be fully considered in the event of additional resources becoming available to improve existing remedial services.
In the meantime, my Department's inspectorate is currently investigating the overall level of special needs within the school with a view to establishing whether additional resource teacher support may be required to meet the needs of the children in question.
A decision on this matter is expected in the near future.
