Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 Jun 1999

Vol. 505 No. 6

Written Answers. - School Staffing.

Gerry Reynolds

Question:

245 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department will allow St. Brigid's school, Drumcong, County Leitrim, retain a fifth teacher in view of the fact the loss of one teacher would seriously affect the educational standards the pupils have. [14274/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

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 staffing of St. Brigid's school, Drumcong, County Leitrim, is a principal and four mainstream class teachers based on an enrolment of 123 as at 30 September 1997. The enrol ment as at 30 September 1998, on which the staffing for the 1999-2000 school year is based, was 115. Unfortunately, despite the very significant improvements I have implemented in the staffing schedule for next year, this figure falls short of the retention requirement for the fourth mainstream teacher.