John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Question 141: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will consider the pressing concerns of St. Mary's BNS, Haddington Road, Dublin, for a full-time learning support teacher for its school as well as proper accommodation for resource and the existing part-time learning support teachers; if a timeframe can be provided for the provision of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9765/04]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The school in question currently has the services of a shared learning support teacher. My Department is at present reviewing existing arrangements for the allocation of special educational supports to primary schools. In that context, my officials have initiated discussions on the matter with representative interests. At this stage it would be premature to anticipate the outcome. The basic purpose of that review is to ensure that each school has the level of resources required to cater for its pupils with special educational needs.

I confirm that an application has been received for additional ancillary accommodation, comprising resource accommodation, library, storage and wet play area. This application is being assessed in the school planning section of my Department. As soon as this assessment is completed, contact will be made directly with the management authority of the school with a decision on the matter. The school has also submitted a request for temporary accommodation to alleviate the current difficulties pending a permanent solution. The planning section is considering the application and a response will issue to the school management as quickly as possible.