Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Apr 1994

Vol. 441 No. 1

Written Answers. - Newbridge (Kildare) Teacher Post.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

194 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the imminent loss of an assistant teacher at St. Conleth's and St. Mary's primary school, Newbridge, County kildare; if she has received correspondence setting out the reasons for the retention of this teacher; if she will favourably consider the case; 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 St. Conleth's and St. Mary's national school there were 317 pupils enrolled on 30 September 1992, which warrants a staff of principal plus ten assistants for the 1993-94 school year. The school also has the services of a full-time remedial teacher.

There were 294 pupils enrolled in the school on 30 September, 1993, which warrants a staff of principal plus nine assistants for the 1994-95 school year. The school would have needed an enrolment of at least 302 pupils in order to retain the post of 10th assistant in 1994-95.

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, my Department will be happy to examine the position on receipt of projected enrolment details.