Vol. 505 No. 6
240 Mr. Power asked the Minister for Education and Science the consideration, if any, he will give to the request for extra resources from St. Brigid's national school, Ballsax, Curragh, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14202/99]
The staffing of primary schools is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year. This is in accordance with guidelines agreed between this Department and the education partners.
The current mainstream staffing of St. Brigid's national school is a principal and three class teachers based on an enrolment of 191 as at 30 September 1997. The enrolment as at 30 September 1998, on which the staffing for the 1999-2000 school year is based, was 178 which unfortunately does not qualify the school for the retention of the 6th mainstream class teacher. The school would need an enrolment of 180 as at 30 September 1998 in order to retain this teacher.
St Brigid's national school has applied for additional support to cater for the needs of four pupils from the travelling community. I have requested my Department's Inspectorate to investigate this case. I will keep you informed of the outcome.
