The normal procedure in relation to the appointment of teachers for a new "greenfield" second level school is that my Department authorises the board of management to advertise for a principal who may be appointed with effect from a date up to six months in advance of the scheduled opening date of the school. When the principal is appointed, the post-primary teachers section of my Department discusses and agrees the staffing requirements with him or her, having regard to the projected enrolment on the opening date. The board is then authorised to make the necessary arrangements for the recruitment of the appropriate teaching staff.
In connection with the building project, the building unit's technical staff are currently examining the Stage 2 submission, that is, the outline sketch scheme which has a floor area of 4,550mf7>2. At this stage of architectural planning, it is too early to say when tenders will be invited for the project or when construction will commence but it is hoped that the accommodation will be open for operation by September 2000. The school is being planned to accommodate 650 pupils.
