Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Oct 1998

Vol. 495 No. 4

Written Answers. - School Staffing.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

433 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being experienced by pupils at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 9 as a result of the loss of a teacher in 1998 due to a slight reduction in pupil numbers; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are two third classes each with 39 pupils and a split second and third class; his views on whether this situation is acceptable; if the case will be reviewed immediately with a view to reinstating the lost post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20469/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The eleventh teaching post at the school to which the Deputy refers was withdrawn at the end of the 1997-98 school year due to a reduction of 16 in the pupil numbers — from 328 in September 1996 to 312 in September 1997. An enrolment of 322 pupils was required in order to retain this post. I have requested an inspector from my Department to visit the school and to report on the exact position pertaining therein, after which the staffing allocation of the school will be reviewed.