Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 May 1998

Vol. 490 No. 7

Written Answers. - Teaching Posts.

Paul McGrath

Question:

235 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to an application for an additional teacher at Coralstown National School, County Westmeath; when sanction for this new appointment will be made; and if he will sanction additional accommodation to facilitate this new class for September 1998. [11124/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

While the staffing arrangements for primary schools for the 1998/99 school year have not yet been finalised, it is likely that Coralstown National School will gain an additional post for the next school year. As soon as the staffing allocations are determined, officials of my Department will contact the board of management of the school in this matter.

The Department recently sanctioned approval to commence the architectural planning for a new three classroom school plus ancillary accommodation at Coralstown. To progress this project the school management has been requested to identify a site for the new school. My Department's architectural staff will then arrange to assess its suitability.

In order to accommodate any additional staff likely to be sanctioned for the school in September 1998, my Department has already agreed to provide grant assistance towards the cost of renting an additional temporary classroom pending the provision of the new school. The Department has written to the school manager advising him accordingly.