Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Oct 1995

Vol. 457 No. 1

Written Answers. - Dublin School Staffing.

Seamus Brennan

Question:

121 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Education if she will favourably review the case of an urban school (details supplied) in County Dublin which is designated disadvantaged for funding purposes and has now been forced to accommodate the pupils in triple classes due to the loss of a third assistant teacher; if she will agree that the socioeconomic profile of the school in such as to require a concessionary post; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14818/95]

Liz O'Donnell

Question:

125 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Education the steps, if any, she will take to address the unsatisfactory staffing in a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14865/95]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 121 and 125 together.

The staffing of a national school for a particular year is determined by the enrolment of the school on 30 September the previous year. The entrolment of the school in question on 30 September 1994 was 89 pupils. This enrolment warrants a staffing in the current school year of a principal and two assistants. The third assistant's post at the school was suppressed on 30 June 1995, due to declining enrolment.

The disadvantaged areas scheme was expanded in 1994. This school was included in the expanded scheme and as such, it receives additional capitation funding at the rate of £25 per pupil. Concessionary teaching posts normally associated with disadvantaged status were not available to the scheme on that occasion.

The needs of this school will be considered in the context of any future expansion of the disadvantaged areas scheme.