Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Nov 1997

Vol. 483 No. 3

Written Answers. - School Staffing.

Enda Kenny

Question:

404 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will give details of the one teacher schools in County Mayo; the reason for the difference in teacher allocation by his Department to some of these schools based on pupil numbers; and the proposals, if any, he has to deal with the matter. [20521/97]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The details requested by the Deputy concerning one teacher schools in County Mayo are as follows. The Deputy will be aware that An Action Programme for the Millennium contains a commitment to give primary education a clear priority in allocating resources. In this context, the programme specifically states that one teacher schools with ten or more pupils will receive a second teacher.

At present, there are 103 one teacher primary schools throughout the country which have ten or more pupils. A further 24 primary schools were due to become one teacher schools from September 1997. However, following my appointment as Minister for Education and Science, I made special arrangements to ensure that these schools would retain their two teacher status for the 1997-98 school year. I am currently examining a range of options with a view to identifying the most appropriate way to fulfil the Government's commitments to all one teacher schools with ten or more pupils.

Roll Number	Name and Address of School	Enrolment at 30 September 1996
12792F	St. Michael's NS, Church Road, Ardnaree, Ballina, County Mayo	18
12808R	Shraheen NS, Foxford, County Mayo	20
13174U	SN Columba, Innisturk, County Mayo	16
13758K	Templemary NS, Killala, County Mayo	23
13866N	Ratheskin NS, Killala, County Mayo	11
16173U	Kinaffe NS, Swinford, County Mayo	12
15379R	Valley NS, Dugort, Achill, County Mayo	16
16852R	SN Doire, Tuar Mhic Eadaigh, Contae Mhaigh Eo	14
16956G	SN Naomh Padraig, Carrowmore, Ballina, County Mayo	11
17442D	SN Mhuire, Bouris, Kilsallough, Westport, County Mayo	14
17596H	SN An Doirin, Gob A Choirce, County Mayo	18
18588N	Ballycroy NS, Westport, County Mayo	15