asked the Minister for Education if she will rescind the decision to reduce the staff complement by one teacher at Crossmolina girls' national school, County Mayo.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Crossmolina (Mayo) Girls National School.
14.
The staffing arrangements in the school in question have been determined in accordance with the agreement between the Government and the INTO under the Programme of National Recovery. It would not be open to me to make a change in that arrangement.
We have had a reduction in Crossmolina from seven to six teachers because one teacher sought a career break under the general policy available to teachers and as a result we have 202 students being catered for by six teachers. Would the Minister not agree that this is typical of the horrendous consequences of circular 20/88 which has meant that 1,029 teachers have been put on the panel and a county like Mayo, which was always educationally deprived, has lost 41 teachers in a 12-month period?
With regard to the school in question at Crossmolina, the Deputy did not refer to the fact that enrolment there has dropped. The enrolment on 30 September 1987 submitted to the Department was 214, while the enrolment on 30 September 1988 as submitted to the Department was 199. The Deputy quotes a figure of 202. There has been a decrease in the enrolment between 1987 and 1988.
The Minister makes a very interesting point. The reduction of 15 has arisen as a result of the emigration of eight families from the area. Is the Minister prepared to confirm to the House that she is still in active discussions with the INTO and management in relation to the consequences of circular 20/88? When can we expect conclusions?
The question refers to Crossmolina girls' national school. I cannot be expected to grant an extension or widening of that subject matter.
Is the circular a fait accompli? Is there no deviation or flexibility?
That is worthy of a separate question.