Vol. 263 No. 7
asked the Minister for Education when plans for the extension of St. Paul's primary school, Lisduggan, Waterford city, were submitted to his Department; and the reasons for not extending the school as a matter of urgency in view of the overcrowding there and the rapid increase of population in the area.
87.
asked the Minister for Education the total enrolment at St. Paul's primary school, Lisduggan, Waterford city in 1971-72 and 1972-73; and the number of teachers in each year.
With your permission a Cheann Comhairle I propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 87 together.
Plans for the extension of St. Paul's primary school, Lisduggan were submitted to my Department last January. The remaining arrangements leading to the invitation of tenders have now been completed and the manager's architects were recently instructed by the Commissioners of Public Works to accept a tender.
The enrolment in this school has risen from 308 in 1971 to 495 at present and the staff has risen from 8 to 12.
Could the Minister give an undertaking to ensure as a matter of urgency, that the extension is completed in the shortest possible time in view of the population explosion in that area?
As I pointed out to the Deputy, the remaining arrangements leading to the invitation of tenders are now completed and the manager's architects have now been instructed to accept a tender.
Did I hear the Minister say there were now 12 teachers?
Yes.
There are only 12 teachers catering for 495 pupils which gives a teacher/pupil ratio of something over 40.
I am trying to find the figure which would entitle them to another but I have not got it.
