Vol. 429 No. 6
343 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education if, in view of the special circumstances of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 12, which is located in an area of high unemployment with many difficult problems, she will reconsider the proposal to remove a teaching post from this school; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The staffing of a national school is determined by the enrolment on the 30th September of the previous year. In the case of Scoil Íosagáin, Aughavannagh Road, Dublin 12, there were 281 pupils enrolled in the school on the 30th September, 1991. This enrolment warranted a staff of Principal plus 9 assistants. The school also has the services of a concessionary teacher under the scheme of teaching assistance for schools serving disadvantaged areas and a full-time remedial teacher.
There were 260 pupils enrolled in the school on the 30th September, 1992, which warrants a staff of Principal plus 8 assistants for the 1993/94 school year. An enrolment of at least 273 pupils was required on that date in order to retain the post of 9th 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 9th assistant under either of these exceptions, my Department would be happy to examine the position on receipt of details.
