Noel Dempsey
Question:363 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for Education the up to date position regarding the provision of extra classrooms and toilets in the primary school, Dunboyne, County Meath.
Written Answers. - County Meath Schools.
Tenders for the provision of two additional classrooms with toilets at Dunboyne national school, County Meath, which were received in my Department on 11 January 1991, are being examined. This examination will be completed at the earliest possible date and a decision on the placing of the contract will then be conveyed to the school authorities.
Noel Dempsey
Question:364 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for Education the up-to-date position regarding the provision of a second level school in Dunboyne, County Meath.
The most recent review of the Dunboyne, Ashbourne and Blanchardstown areas, consisting of a full examination of demographic factors, housing trends and the availability of post-primary places in the general area, revealed that the provision of a post-primary school in Dunboyne is not warranted at the present time.
The Dunboyne area will, however, continue to be reviewed by my Department in the light of the most up-to-date statistical data and having regard also to developments in adjacent post-primary centres.
Noel Dempsey
Question:365 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for Education if she proposes to make money available during 1991 to Meath Vocational Educational Committee to undertake urgent repairs to the roof of Athboy vocational school.
A report has been received from County Meath VEC regarding the condition of the roof at Athboy vocational school and an architect from my Department will visit the school shortly to examine the problem. On receipt of the architect's recommendation, consideration will be given to the allocation of funds for necessary repairs.
Noel Dempsey
Question:366 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for Education when it is envisaged that tenders will be accepted for the extension to Rathfeigh national school, County Meath.
Noel Dempsey
Question:381 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for Education when it is expected that tenders for the construction at Rathfeigh national school, County Meath will be accepted and the contract placed.
I propose taking Questions Nos. 366 and 381 together.
The tenders for the provision of the permanent extension to Rathfeigh national school, County Meath, are being examined at present and this examination will be completed at the earliest possible date. A decision on the placing of the contract will then be conveyed to the school authorities. I am not in a position, at this stage, to say when the contract will be placed.
Dick Spring
Question:367 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there are between 35 and 40 pupils in each class from second class to sixth class in Holy Family primary school, Tralee, County Kerry; and if she will outline her plans to reduce the pupil-teacher ratio.
As the Deputy will be aware current staffing levels for national schools were agreed under the Programme for National Recovery.
As part of this agreement my Department have implemented a reduction of one unit in the enrolment-staffing schedule for national schools from 1 September 1990. This agreement has led to an improvement in the pupil-teacher ratio in national schools for the 1990-91 school year.
There is no application on hands from this school for sanction to appoint an additional assistant.
Enrolment 30-9-88 — 603: Staffing for 1989-1990 — PO + 17. Enrolment 30-9-89 — 594: Staffing for 1990-1991 — PO + 17. The school also have the services of two remedial teachers.
My Department have examined the current enrolment in this school and is satisfied that the enrolment can be organised to remain within the maximum class size guidelines as set down by my Department.
The Deputy will also be aware that agreement has been reached under the Programme for Social and Economic Progress to further reduce the national pupil-teacher ratio to 25:1 by 1992, with the objective of reducing overly large classes and meeting the needs of the disadvantaged.