Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 Jul 1996

Vol. 468 No. 4

Written Answers. - Fore (Westmeath) School.

Mary O'Rourke

Question:

501 Mrs. O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the result of an inspector's visit to review the remedial needs of the children at St. Feichen's National School, Fore, County Westmeath; and if she will review the need for this school to retain its second assistant teacher in view of all of the circumstances which have been conveyed to her Department. [15585/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The staffing of a ordinary national school for a particular year is determined by the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous year.

The enrolment of St. Fiechen's national school on 30 September 1995 was 56 pupils. This enrolment warrants a staffing of a principal and one assist and teacher for the 1996-97 school year

In the circumstances, I regret that am unable to accede to the Deputy' request to allow the retention of the second assistant teacher's post at the school for the 1996-97 school year.

In addition to the staffing mentioned above, the school has the services of a shared remedial teacher. However, I understand that there has been a problem regarding the provision of the remedial service in St. Feichen's national school. I have requested my Department's Primary Inspectorate to investigate the situation and bring forward proposals to overcome this problem.