Vol. 514 No. 6
299 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason his Department has decided to reduce the number of teachers (details supplied) in St. Peter and Paul's senior national school, Dunboyne, County Meath, when it is obvious that the pupil numbers in the area will continue to grow; if this decision will be reversed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4831/00]
The staffing of a primary school for a particular year is determined by reference to the number of pupils enrolled in the school on 30 September of the previous year. The actual number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule. The staffing schedule is determined for a particular year following discussions with the managerial authorities and the INTO.
The enrolment in St. Peter and Paul's national school declined from 457 in September 1998 to 448 in September 1999. Under the existing schedule the number of pupils required to retain the 16th assistant teacher for the 2000-2001 school year is 450. However, the staffing schedule for primary schools for the 2000-2001 school year has not yet been finalised.
