Vol. 520 No. 4
255 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of recent announcements by him, he will re-investigate the retention of a teacher in a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny where the teacher has been notified that her employment will be terminated in September 2000 due to falling enrolments and where evidence to the contrary can now be provided. [16039/00]
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 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 particular school is a principal and three mainstream class teachers based on an enrolment of 92 as at 30 September 1998. The school also has the services of a shared remedial teacher.
The enrolment as at 30 September 1999, on which the staffing for the 2000-01 school year is based, was 75. Under the staffing schedule, this enrolment entitles the school to two mainstream class teachers. The enrolment requirement for the retention of the third teacher is 83. Unfortunately, despite the circumstances outlined by the Deputy, I cannot authorise the retention of the post.
