Gerard Collins
Question:11 Mr. Collins asked the Minister for Education if he will make a statement of his intentions regarding numbers of teachers in Bulgaden national school, County Limerick.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bulgaden (Limerick) National School.
The staffing of a national school is determined by the enrolment in the school on the 30 September of the previous year. This is in accordance with the agreement on staffing made between the Government and the INTO.
In the case of Bulgaden national school there were 25 pupils enrolled on the 30 September 1991, which warrants a staffing of principal only for the 1992-93 school year.
The post of first assistant is to be discontinued with effect from 31 August 1992, as the enrolment on the 30 September 1991 did not warrant its retention.
However, I can announce today that I am concerned at the apparent disproportionate effect the reducing pupil numbers have on two-teacher schools, reducing them to one teacher operations, and I have commenced an examination of how I can make special provision in these particular cases.
(Carlow-Kilkenny): The Minister still has the power.