Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 Mar 1994

Vol. 440 No. 4

Written Answers. - Retention of Teacher.

Enda Kenny

Question:

372 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for Education if the first assistant teacher can be retained in Derrypark national school until the number of pupils at the school increases; the number of pupils on the roll at present is 20, Derrypark national school is an amalgamated school following the closures at Finney and Seanafarraghan national schools, local people are anxious that the first assistant teacher will be allowed to continue at the school for a further year to see the improvement, if any, that will take place to the potential school population in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The staffing of national schools for a particular year is determined by the enrolment in the school on the 30th of September of the previous year.

As stated by the Deputy, the enrolment in Derrypark national school on 30 September, 1993 was 20 pupils which warrants a staffing in the 1994-95 school year of a principal only.

Therefore, the first assistant teacher cannot be allowed to continue at the school for a further year, and the post in question will be suppressed from the end of the current school year. The assistant teacher will be given the option of having her name placed on the diocesan panel for re-deployment to another school from the 1st of September, 1994.