Vol. 543 No. 2
851 Mr. D. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department gives priority to special needs teacher appointments where they occur in a severely handicapped area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26763/01]
My Department allocates resource posts, special needs assistant posts and concessionary teaching hours to second level schools to cater for the needs of special needs pupils enrolled therein. Applications for such support are made to my Department by the relevant school authorities. Each case is considered on its merits and determined on the advice of the psychological service.
My Department has approved additional teacher and special needs assistant resources to cater for pupils with special needs in the school referred to by the Deputy. The school authorities recently applied for further resources to assist a number of first year pupils with special needs. This application has been referred to the psychological service for a report and recommendation. As soon as this report is received, a decision will be taken on the application and the school authorities will be notified of the outcome without delay.
