Vol. 512 No. 6
386 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a fourth assistant teacher for the 1999-2000 school year was not sanctioned to St Margaret's national school in view of the fact that enrolment on 30 September 1999 was 124 pupils; if sanction for two additional classrooms will be granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26810/99]
As 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 class size of 30 pupils.
However, as you know, the staffing schedule has traditionally been applied on the basis of the previous year's enrolment figures, and this continues to be the case. Therefore, the schools which initially benefited from the new schedule are those who qualified for an additional post in the 1999-2000 school year. Such schools are in a position to organise classes in such a way as to ensure that there are no longer any very large classes.
The enrolment at St. Margaret's national school, Curracloe on 30 September 1998 of 108 pupils warrants the staffing of a principal and three mainstream class teachers for the current school year. In addition the school has the services of a remedial teacher. Therefore, there is no basis for the appointment of an additional teacher at the school for the current school year. The accommodation brief for the proposed extension at this school is being finalised and my Department will be in contact with the school shortly.
