Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Jun 2000

Vol. 520 No. 4

Written Answers. - School Staffing.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

253 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will review the staffing level at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 8 for 2000-01 in view of the current numbers attending the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16037/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

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 current staffing of this school is a principal and nine mainstream class teachers based on an enrolment of 248 as at 30 September 1998. The school also has the services of two concessionary posts due to the disadvantaged status of the school, two remedial teachers, two special additional assistants and a home school liaison teacher.

The enrolment as at 30 September 1999, on which the staffing for the 2000-01 school year is based, was 233. Under the staffing schedule, this enrolment entitles the school to eight mainstream class teachers. The enrolment requirement for the retention of the ninth teacher is 240. Unfortunately, I cannot authorise the retention of the post for the 2000-01 school year.