Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 24 Mar 1994

Vol. 440 No. 6

Written Answers. - Teacher Appointment.

Willie Penrose

Question:

114 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, she has to recruit an additional teacher for Fore national school in view of the fact that there is a number of extra pupils coming to the school in September 1994; the plans, if any, she has to upgrade the toilets in this school; 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 in the school on 30 September of the previous year. In the case of Fore national school there were 60 pupils enrolled on 30 September, 1992, which warrants a staff of principal; plus one assistant for the 1993-94 school year.

There were 57 pupils enrolled in the school on 30 September, 1993, which warrants a staff of principal plus one assistant for the 1994-95 school year. The school would have needed an enrolment of at least 63 pupils in order to establish the post of 2nd assistant from I September, 1994.

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 may qualify under either of these exceptions in September, 1994, my Department will be happy to examine the position on receipt of enrolment details at that time.

With regard to the upgrading of the school toilets, I am pleased to say that on foot of a survey carried out by my Department on sanitary conditions in national schools, the school authorities have been invited to apply for grant-aid for the necessary work.