Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 May 1998

Vol. 490 No. 7

Written Answers. - Teaching Posts.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

57 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has in relation to the provision of a second teacher to all one teacher schools with ten or more pupils in 1998 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11022/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The school referred to by the Deputy is currently one of 103 one teacher national schools in the country.

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 the context of considering staffing arrangements for primary schools for the 1998-99 school year, I am examining a range of options with a view to identifying the most appropriate way to fulfil the Government's commitments to one teacher schools as outlined in An Action Programme for the Millennium.