Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 October 2017
99. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address the request for a fifth year teacher and adequate resourcing and supports by a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42555/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, St. Thomas Special School is a school which caters for boys who are members of the Traveller community. This school is due to be phased out in line with agreed national education policy, developed and agreed with Traveller representative groups which provides for the education of Traveller children in the mainstream school system.
In the meantime, my Department is maintaining the same level of resources in the school as heretofore (Principal, four teaching posts and two Special Needs Assistants for the current enrolment of 26 pupils).
The school has made an application to my Department for an expansion of its services to Traveller pupils. Officials of my Department are currently engaging with the school patron and management to see how the needs of the pupils currently in the school can best be met.
