Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Dec 1993

Vol. 436 No. 8

Written Answers. - Three Year Service Cycle.

Paul McGrath

Question:

92 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education the number of extra second level teachers who will be recruited in September 1994 to give all pupils the option of spending three years in the senior cycle; the extra money that will be available for school buildings to facilitate these extra classes; if she intends to make money available for equipment for these courses; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The teacher allocations to post-primary schools for a particular school year are made on the basis of the pupil enrolment at the end of September in the preceding school year. It is open to school authorities to appeal the allocation on the basis of projected enrolments. Such appeals are considered in accordance with agreed procedures.

The teacher allocations for the 1994-95 school year have not yet been determined and therefore it is not possible to say how many additional posts, if any, will be created. However, it is anticipated that the impact on enrolments arising from the introduction of the three year senior cycle option will not be felt until the 1996-97 school year.

In the circumstances outlined the necessity to provide additional accommodation or equipment to facilitate the three year senior cycle will not arise in the 1994-95 school year. Where school authorities anticipate that additional accommodation or equipment will be required in the future, application should be made to my Department in the normal way at the appropriate time.