asked the Minister for Education when the appointment of a fourth teacher at Emly national school, County Tipperary, will be made.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Tipperary Teaching Appointments.
12.
Mr. R. Burke
The average enrolment figure at Emly national school at present, 105 pupils, does not permit of the appointment of a fourth teacher in replacement of the outgoing teacher. If and when the school achieves and maintains an average enrolment of 115 pupils as prescribed in the rules for national schools, the appointment of a fourth teacher will be sanctioned.
I assume the figures have been shown to the Minister and, arising out of those figures, is he not satisfied there is an increase in the population in that school area, apart from the fact that the county council are now building another 12 houses in the area which will mean an influx of more families into the village?
Mr. R. Burke
As the Deputy may know, I have taken a personal interest in this case and I suggested a number of ways in which the school could have been kept going for the time being. These initiatives of mine did not come to any successful conclusion. I am aware of the point made by the Deputy, but that does not get me around the difficulty that the averages at the moment do not permit me to appoint a teacher.
If the Minister has a personal interest in it, he must know all the facts.
Mr. R. Burke
Yes, I do.
But he is now taking out the fourth teacher from the school and not replacing him, and there will be an overcrowded classroom for the other three teachers.
Mr. R. Burke
As the Deputy is aware, I cannot provide teachers if the pupils are not there to warrant the appointment of a teacher.
But the pupils are there and will be there.
Mr. R. Burke
There are not 115 pupils.
Is the Minister going to the match on Sunday?
Mr. R. Burke
Yes.
We shall see him there so.
13.
asked the Minister for Education if he has yet sanctioned the appointment of an extra teacher to the Christian Brothers primary school, Cashel, County Tipperary.
Mr. R. Burke
Arrangements are being made to have a prefabricated classroom provided at this school. When this extra accommodation is available, the appointment of an additional teacher will be sanctioned.