asked the Minister for Education if he will allocate an additional teaching post to St. Brigid's infants boys' school, Finglas West, in view of the large classes which teachers have to cope with at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Finglas (Dublin) School.
11.
To qualify for an additional, eighth assistant teaching post, this school would need to secure an average enrolment of 275. The average enrolment for the quarter ended 31 March 1986 was 248. It would not be open to me, therefore, to allow an extra post under the rules.
However, since the school management has represented special difficulties in the matter of class organisation next September, I have arranged for the inspector to visit the school early in September and I will have the situation reviewed as sympathetically as possible when a report is received.
I appreciate the step which the Minister is taking. He indicated that 275 is the figure needed before an additional teaching assistant could be provided. My information is that there are 267 pupils for the year starting September 1986. There are 69 new entrants, 143 senior infants and 55 first class pupils. If the teaching staff remain at the same level they will be teaching classes of approximately 40 pupils which is next to impossible, particularly with new infants. I urge the Minister to review the figures and to agree to the appointment of an additional teacher.
The Deputy's information seems to be somewhat different from that which is available to me. I will have that matter looked at. The average enrolment at 31 March was 248. To secure the additional eighth assistant they would need 275. If the Deputy has information to the contrary I will have it examined.