Department ‘hopeful’ over special needs posts

THE Department of Education has dismissed doubts over its ability to deliver on a promise to provide 350 extra resource teachers for special needs pupils by the start of the new school year.

But a spokesperson admitted there had been problems with teacher shortages in the primary school sector generally and said the Department was “hopeful” rather than definite that all the new posts could be filled in time.

“As many as possible is the aim,” said the spokesperson. “The actual recruitment is a matter for the schools themselves so it will be up to them to find suitable candidates for the job.”