Brian O'Shea
Question:218 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will allow the retention of a teacher in September 1999 (details supplied) in St. Mary's primary school, Dungarvan, County Waterford [15686/99]
Written Answers. - School Staffing.
As the Deputy may be aware 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. Mary's primary school is a principal and 14 mainstream class teachers based on an enrolment of 428 as at 30 September 1997. In addition the school also has the services of two remedial teachers and a resource teacher for travellers.
The enrolment at the school on 30 September 1998 has decreased to 389 pupils. Despite the significant improvements which I implemented in the staffing schedule for the 1900-2000 school year, this enrolment falls short of the retention figure for the 14th mainstream class teacher. Therefore, I regret that there is no basis whereby the school can be allowed retain this post beyond the end of the current school year.