Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 12 Nov 1997

Vol. 482 No. 6

Written Answers. - School Staffing.

John Perry

Question:

444 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the decision made by his Department to reduce the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Sligo; if he will review the decision, in view of the fact that the school is only one pupil short; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that there is a new development in the town of 30 houses, which has already started; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the principal who was responsible for the administration of the school is currently teaching as the school is short one teacher; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18711/97]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The staffing of a national school for a particular year is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous year. The enrolment of the school, to which the Deputy refers, on 30 September 1996 was 214 pupils. This enrolment warrants the staffing of a principal and six assistant teachers for the current school year, one post less than the authorised staffing at the school in the previous school year. In addition, the school has the services of a remedial teacher.

A minimum enrolment of 237 pupils would have been required at the school in order to allow the principal to concentrate solely on administrative duties. I regret, therefore, that I am not in a position to review the staffing allocation of this school at present.