asked the Minister for Education if she will review the staff level in St. Mary's boys' national school, Dublin 7, which serves a most disadvantaged area in Dublin's inner city, as the staff members have been reduced from seven to six, to facilitate the continuation of a special class for disruptive pupils; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - School Staff Level.
42.
The reduction in staff referred to arose because the enrolment in the school is not sufficient to warrant a replacement for the assistant teacher who was recently appointed as the new principal of the school. This school had for some years the benefit of an amalgamation concession whereby four assistants were retained on an enrolment which would normally warrant only three. This concession related only to the existing staff at the time of amalgamation and any vacancy arising after that date could only be filled if the normal requirements regarding enrolment were complied with.
I have reviewed the school staffing and am satisfied that it is in accord with the agreed arrangements worked out under the Programme for National Recovery.
In addition to the normal staff complement, the school benefits from a concessionary post allocated under my Department's special scheme for schools serving disadvantaged areas and also has a remedial teacher on the staff.