Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Feb 1998

Vol. 487 No. 3

Written Answers. - Student Enrolments.

Ulick Burke

Question:

327 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science the statistics in relation to pupil numbers available in the school catchment areas for the next five years in the Loughrea, Ballinasloe, Gort, Portumna and Woodford catchment areas; the consequences of these changes in these centres in relation to teacher employment, school amalgamations and new school building programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4150/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

There are 65 primary and eight post primary schools in the areas referred to by the Deputy. The statistical information sought is not readily available in my Department and the staff time required to assemble it is not justified.

There was a 26 per cent decline in births in County Galway in the period from 1986-96. It would be expected that, in the light of these demographic trends, enrolments in primary and post primary schools will decline, though not necessarily uniformly. Indeed primary school enrolments generally have already declined in recent years. The decline in post primary numbers will not be as noticeable due to factors such as increased participation rates, the development of the transition year option and increased numbers attending post leaving certificate courses.

The teacher allocation to an individual primary or post primary school is made up by the allocation warranted by the enrolment at the end of the preceding September on the basis of the current pupil-teacher ratio together with any approved ex-quota and concessionary posts. Changes in enrolments will be reflected in the approved teacher allocation to schools.

Amalgamation of schools will only take place following consultations with the relevant local interests and where such will be in the best interests of the pupils concerned.

I am committed to ensuring, through the primary and post primary buildings programmes, that school facilities will be adequate for the needs of the modern curriculum.

If the Deputy is aware of a specific problem in one of the areas in question and provides the details, I will arrange to have the matter investigated.