Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 February 2004
242 Mr. Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will fast-track the sanctioning of resource teachers for south Kerry schools, particularly Scoil Mhuire, Killorglin, County Kerry, in view of the fact that there are a number of children attending this school who are still waiting to be sanctioned resource teaching hours. [5364/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school referred to by the Deputy currently has the services of one learning support teacher and three resource teaching posts. I can confirm, also, that my Department has received applications from the school for special educational resources, SER, in respect of a number of children in December, 2002 and January and February, 2003. I understand that professional reports in support of the applications were made available to my Department by the school in July 2003.
SER applications received between 15 February and 31 August 2003, including those made by this school, are being considered at present. In all, more than 5,000 such applications were received. Priority was given to cases involving children starting school last September and all these cases were responded to at or before the commencement of the current school year.
The balance of more than 4,000 applications has been reviewed by a dedicated team comprising members of my Department's inspectorate and the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS. These applications are being further considered in the context of the outcome of surveys of SER provision conducted over the past year or so. Account is also being taken of the data submitted by schools as part of the recent nationwide census of SER provision.
The processing of the applications is a complex and time-consuming operation. However, my Department is endeavouring to have this process completed as quickly as possible and my officials will then respond to all applicant schools. Pending a response, schools are advised to refer to Circular 24/03, which issued in September, 2003. This circular contains practical advice on how to achieve the most effective deployment of resources already allocated for special educational needs within the school.
