Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 8 Apr 1993

Vol. 429 No. 5

Written Answers. - Primary Teacher Panel.

Mary Harney

Question:

59 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Education if she will reconsider the decision to place a teacher (details supplied) in County Dublin on the panel in view of the disadvantage to the pupils of this school if it is reduced by yet another teacher, as this will lead, not only to a doubling up of classes, which is already in operation, but to teachers having to teach three different levels in the one classroom; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The staffing of a national school is determined by the enrolment on 30 September of the previous year. In the case of St. Mary's national school, Saggart, County Dublin, there were 105 pupils enrolled in the school on 30 September 1991. The enrolment warranted a staff of principal plus 3 assistants. The school also has the services of a remedial teacher on a shared basis.

There were 92 pupils enrolled in the school on 30 September 1992, which warrants a staff of principal plus 2 assistants for the 1993-94 school year. An enrolment of at least 94 pupils was required on that date in order to retain the post of third assistant for 1993-94.

The only exceptions that can be made from the agreed staffing arrangements are in the case of developing schools or where my Department's guidelines on maximum class sizes are being breached. If the school authorities feel that the school might qualify for the retention of the post of third assistant under either of these exceptions, my Department would be happy to examine the position on receipt of details.