Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 27 Apr 1995

Vol. 452 No. 2

Written Answers. - School Designation.

Noel Dempsey

Question:

96 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for Education if she will include a school (details supplied) in the disadvantaged areas scheme or if she will allow the retention of a fourth teacher who has gone on the panel in view of the fact that the school is one pupil short of the necessary numbers to retain the fourth teacher. [7786/95]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The staffing of a national school for a particular year is determined by the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous year. The enrolment of the school referred to by the Deputy on 30 September 1993 was 99 pupils which warrants a staffing of principal plus three assistants for the current school year. The enrolment on 30 September 1994 was 90 pupils which warrants a staff of principal plus two assistants for the 1995-96 school year. Accordingly, the fourth teacher cannot be retained in the school for the 1995-96 school year. The name of the teacher has been placed on the appropriate panel for redeployment.

I am not aware of an application from the school in question for inclusion in the disadvantaged areas scheme. I have commissioned the Combat Poverty Agency to conduct a detailed study of current approaches to the support of pupils in disadvantaged areas. The criteria used to determine eligibility for inclusion in the disadvantaged areas scheme will be among the matters covered by this study. I expect to receive a report on the outcome of this study by the middle of this year and this will provide a basis for development of future approaches in this area. The needs of all schools will be considered in the event of an expansion of the disadvantaged areas scheme being undertaken. In the meantime, I have asked my officials to forward an application form to the school referred to by the Deputy for completion.