Phil Hogan
Question:166 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will retain the fifth assistant teacher at Ballyhale national school, County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27090/98]
Written Answers - School Staffing.
The staffing of primary schools is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year.
The fifth teaching post at Ballyhale national school was withdrawn at the end of the 1997-8 school year because the enrolment at the school had declined from 156 pupils in September 1996 to 138 pupils in September 1997. The retention figure for the fifth teaching post was 155.
Unfortunately, therefore, I do not see any basis for the retention of the post at the school at this stage.