Vol. 427 No. 8
71 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education the steps, if any, she is taking to begin the process of reducing class sizes in national schools in view of the commitments contained in the Programme for Partnership Government 1993-1997; and if she will ensure that the Central Model Infants School, Dublin 1 does not lose the teacher recently placed on the transfer panel there.
I have already dealt with the general matter of class size in my reply to Priority Question Number 5.
Up to 31 August 1992, the staffing in the Central Model Infants School consisted of a principal and three assistant teachers together with a concessionary post under the special scheme of teaching assistance for schools in disadvantaged areas.
The post of third assistant was discontinued on 31 August 1992, as the enrolment at the school had fallen below that required for the retention of the post. However, the teacher concerned claimed exemption from panel re-deployment on grounds of maternity.
That exemption expires on 24 June 1993 but, in view of the exceptional circumstances of this school, I will be considering the question of whether the school may qualify for a remedial post under the allocation of such posts this year.
