Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Jun 1998

Vol. 492 No. 4

Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.

John McGuinness

Question:

366 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will request the building unit of his Department to inspect the conditions at Drumphea national school, Garryhill, County Carlow and prepare a report on the wooden structure which is on site since 1966; if a temporary structure can be provided in September 1998 while an assessment is being carried out on the provision of a new school; if a third teacher will be appointed to the school in view of the increase in pupil numbers to 62; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14443/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The management of Drumphea national school has applied to my Department for grant assistance towards the cost of providing a new school building.

A member of my Department's architectural staff has examined the existing school structure and recently furnished his report in the matter. This report is currently under examination in my Department's building unit.

The staffing of a national school for a particular year is determined by the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous year. The enrolment of Drumphea national school on 30 September 1997 was 48 pupil. This enrolment warrants a staffing of a principal and one teacher for the 1998-99 school year. In addition, the school has the services of a remedial teacher.

I note that the projected September 1998 enrolment for the school is 62 pupils. If the school is unable to organise its classes within maximum class size guidelines in September 1998, the managerial authorities of the school should contact my Department.