Vol. 492 No. 1
240 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will review the decision to suppress a teaching post in the two inner city schools (details supplied) participating in the breaking the cycle pilot scheme in view of the recent admissions of refugee children in both schools and the very high pupil teacher ratio which would result in most classes in each school. [13437/98]
The staffing of primary schools is determined by the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year. An agreement to this effect was made between the Government and the INTO in the 1980s and this agreement has been fully and rigorously adhered to since then. Since the introduction of the breaking the cycle pilot project, schools selected for inclusion in the urban dimension of the scheme have been allocated extra staffing resources to enable them to operate within a maximum class size of 15 pupils in all junior classes. In line with the agreement referred to above, these staffing allocations are also determined by reference to the schools enrolments at 30 September of the previous school year. However, there is an arrangement in place whereby schools may contact my Department if their projected enrolments are to increase for the forthcoming school year. In such situations, my Department will re-examine the schools' staffing needs based on the projected enrolments.
241 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the situation at a school (details supplied) in County Laois included in the scheme for disadvantaged areas but which has not received the sanction for a position of a concessionary teacher; if he will grant a concessionary teaching post for schools which have lost a position in September 1997 or are due to lose a position in September 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13438/98]
I am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers. The general staffing levels of primary schools are determined by the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year. An agreement to this effect was made between the Government and the INTO in the 1980s and this agreement has been fully and rigorously adhered to since then. I understand that the school in question will retain its present staffing level for the forthcoming school year. I am not in a position at present to allocate additional ex-quota concessionary teacher posts to primary schools. However, I can assure the Deputy that in the event of additional posts becoming available, the needs of this school will be fully considered.
