Vol. 512 No. 6
382 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the different application of approval and retention thresholds for teachers in gaelscoileanna and ordinary primary schools; the number of extra teachers needed if the same regime was applied in ordinary schools as gaelscoileanna; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26762/99]
Gaelscoileanna enjoy a more favourable overall pupil teacher ratio than that which applies in all other mainstream primary schools. This policy has been pursued over many years by successive Governments and is designed to assist schools in a situation where the pupils are being thought in a different language than that used in their homes. I have applied the staffing schedule for the retention of teaching posts in Gaelscoileanna to schools in Gaeltacht areas where teaching is through the medium of Irish for the 1999/ 2000 and subsequent school years. The information regarding the number of extra teachers required to apply the Gaelscoileanna staffing schedule to ordinary schools is being compiled in my Department and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy.
