Vol. 398 No. 2
28 Mr. Connor asked the Minister for Education when building work will commence on the new amalgamated second level school at St. Nathy's College, Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the proposed amalgamation will create a surplus of teaching staff; and the plans she has to protect the careers of teachers who may be adversely affected by the establishment of a central secondary school in the area.
The building unit of my Department is at present assessing the additional accommodation required for the St. Nathy's College buildings to cater for the amalgamation of the three post-primary schools in Ballaghaderreen into a single co-educational secondary school. At this stage I am not in a position to say when building work may commence on any new facilities required.
The question of the staffing of the amalgamated school will be considered prior to the coming into operation of the single school. I am aware that, on current figures, the single school may be in an over-quota staffing position. It is not my intention that any teacher would lose his/her post by reason of rationalisation of school facilities.
