Denis Naughten
Question:434 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will appoint a temporary teacher to a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon pending the appointment of a permanent teacher. [15609/98]
Written Answers. - Teaching Posts.
The school to which the Deputy refers is entitled to appoint a permanent teacher with effect from 1 September 1998. This post should be filled from the diocesan panel of teachers. While there are teachers on diocesan panels it is not possible to approve the appointment of a temporary teacher.
If the board of management of the school in question is unable to appoint a teacher from the diocesan panel, it should contact my Department in this matter.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:435 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will sanction a concessionary post for St. Mary's national school, Sandyford, Dublin 16, in view of the fact that this school is part of the designated disadvantaged area scheme and the pupil to teacher ratio and treble class arrangement is completely unacceptable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15667/98]
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.
Schools which have disadvantaged status, including the school in question, are entitled to a level of staffing which enables them to operate at a maximum class size of 29 pupils. I understand that the staffing allocation to the school in question is in line with this requirement.
In the event of additional posts becoming available, the needs of the school in question will be considered.