The Deputy is aware I have been concerned for some time about the number of large classes in the primary system, and have been examining ways to target additional teaching resources to those schools with the greatest need in this area. The new staffing schedule which issued in April last has been structured to ensure that all primary schools will operate to a maximum general class size of 30 pupils.
However, as the Deputy knows, the staffing schedule has traditionally been applied on the basis of the previous year's enrolment figures, and this continues to be the case. Initially, the schools which will benefit from the new schedule are those whose enrolment in September 1998 qualifies them for an additional post in the 1999-2000 school year. Such schools will therefore be in a position to organise classes in such a way as to ensure that there are no longer any very large classes.
The enrolment on 30 September 1998 of 323 pupils at St. Vincent de Paul national school gives the authorised staffing of a principal and 11 mainstream class teachers. This gives an average class size of 29.36 pupils which is within the maximum class size of 30 pupils. The enrolment at the school, which has been decreasing for a number of years has further decreased to 314 pupils on 30 September 1999.
In addition the school has the services of a remedial teacher.
Therefore there is no basis for the appointment of an additional teacher to the school for the current school year. My Department has not received any application from the board of management of St. Vincent de Paul national school for the provision of any extra classrooms.
