Michael Bell
Question:123 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Education if she will sanction an assistant teacher for a school (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6912/95]
Written Answers. - Appointment of Assistant Teacher.
The staffing of a national school is determined by the enrolment on 30 September of the previous school year.
The enrolment of the school in question on 30 September 1993 was 314, which warrants a teaching staff of principal plus ten assistants for the current school year. The enrolment on 30 September 1994 was 325. An enrolment of 327 would have been required to qualify for an additional teacher for the 1995-96 school year.
Exceptions to the normal staffing arrangements arise only in the case of developing schools, or where it is not possible to organise classes without breaching the maximum class size guidelines.
Since neither criterion applies in this case, I regret that I am not in a position to depart from agreed procedures and sanction an additional teaching post for the school.