Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 2 Jun 1994

Vol. 443 No. 6

Written Answers. - Belcruit (Donegal) School Teaching Complement.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

71 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education the reason for the reduction in the teaching staff at Belcruit National School, County Donegal; when the board of management was notified of the reduction; in view of the fact that the school is in a disadvantaged area, that a third classroom was built in 1990 and that there is a six year old pupil suffering from cerebral palsy who needs particular care and attention, if she will reconsider the reduction; 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 30 September of the previous year. The enrolment of Belcruit national school on 30 September 1993 was 58 pupils which warrants a staffing in the 1994-95 school year of a principal and one assistant only. Therefore, the second assistant's post in the school will be suppressed from the end of the current school year. The teacher has been placed on the panel for redeployment which will not take place before September 1994. The board of management of the school was notified in this matter in mid-March 1994.