asked the Minister for Education if he will provide a remedial teacher for slow learners at the national school, Darndale, County Dublin, in view of the fact that there are some 70 children at the school requiring such services.

As I indicated in my reply of 17 November 1977, (No. 33), my immediate priority is to reduce class sizes in national schools, with particular reference to the problems of disadvantaged areas. Applications for extra remedial posts must be considered in the light of this overall priority.

I am very conscious of the special problems which exist in the Darndale senior national school and I hope to strengthen the teaching force there as soon as the teacher supply position permits.

Would the Minister agree that any strengthening of the teacher force so far has not been of any help to children requiring remedial care and attention, that there is an immediate need for remedial teachers, and that without them handicapped youngsters will go backwards in spite of the Minister's attempt to strengthen the teaching force? Would he not provide specifically for remedial teachers in such situations?

I have examined this file carefully and I agree the school mentioned in the question is in need of a remedial teacher. The first such teacher who becomes available to me and who is willing to take the appointment will be appointed to that school.