Trevor Sargent
Question:55 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science the Government policy regarding one teacher schools. [7490/98]
Written Answers. - One Teacher Schools.
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.
In March 1997, my predecessor agreed staffing arrangements for primary schools for the current school year in consultation with the Irish National Teachers' Organisation. These arrangements were based on the allocation of all surplus posts available for redistribution from the demographic dividend. Since there are no teaching posts available for allocation in the current school year, I am at present examining a range of options with a view to identifying the most appropriate way to fulfil the Government's commitment to one teacher schools.
The future of one teacher schools with an enrolment of less than ten pupils will be considered in consultation with the board of management, parents and teacher of each individual school. The crucial issue relating to these schools is that arrangements are put in place which are in the best interests of the pupils and acceptable to the school community.