Vol. 518 No. 5
211 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties caused by the fact that there are 37 children in fourth class in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 9; if he will allocate an additional staff member in order that classes can be kept to a reasonable size; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12175/00]
The staffing of a school for a particular year is determined by the enrolment on 30 September of the previous year. The organisation of classes within the school is a matter for the board of management.
According to data submitted by the board of management to my Department there were 281 pupils enrolled in the school on 30 September 1999. Accordingly, the school is not in breach of the overall maximum class size guideline of 30 as outlined in Circular Letter 21/99.
I am, however, asking my Department's Inspectorate to contact the school to discuss the matter.
212 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that St. Mary's national school in Enniskeane, County Cork, lost a member of its staff for the academic year 1999-2000; and if sanction will be given for the restoration of staff teaching numbers arising from the pupil number increase in the current academic year. [12176/00]
The staffing of a school for a particular year is determined by the enrolment on 30 September of the previous year. The enrolment of the school referred to, by the Deputy on 30 September 1999 was 185 pupils.
