Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 3 Dec 1996

Vol. 472 No. 3

Written Answers. - Teacher Appointments.

Colm M. Hilliard

Question:

191 Mr. Hilliard asked the Minister for Education when the appointment of a fourth teacher will be sanctioned for a school (details supplied) in County Meath in view of the fact that the children's education at this school is suffering due to the lack of such a teacher. [23250/96]

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 1995 was 84 pupils. This enrolment warrants a staffing of a principal and two assistant teachers for the 1996-97 school year. I understand that the current enrolment at the school is 96 pupils. This enrolment would be sufficient for the appointment of an additional teacher at the school from the start of the 1997-98 school year.

The managerial authorities at the school have been in contact with officials of my Department seeking the immediate appointment of the third assistant teacher on the grounds that the school is in breach of the guidelines on maximum class size. An inspector has visited the school and his report is at present being examined in my Department. My officials will communicate directly with the school's managerial authorities as soon as this examination has been completed.