Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Jun 2000

Vol. 521 No. 4

Written Answers. - School Staffing.

John Perry

Question:

318 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that from September 2000 15 pupils have been enrolled in Achonry national school, Achonry, County Sligo, an intake that will increase the pupil numbers to 62, four above the required number of appointing a second assistant teacher; if he will immediately appoint a teacher in view of the increase in numbers in the school catchment area and taking into account the fact that in September 2001, ten pupils will be starting and for the foreseeable future the balance will be maintained and the numbers will be sufficient to retain a third teacher; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17381/00]

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 the 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 of the school on the 30 September, 1999 was 44 pupils which warrants a staffing for the 2000-01 school year of a principal and one mainstream class teacher. The school also has the services of a shared remedial teacher.

I understand that the board of management of the school is seeking the appointment of a second mainstream class teacher on the basis that the enrolment of the school for September, 2000 is projected to increase.

The "developing school" criteria for the 2000-01 school year is outlined in Circular letter 11/2000 a copy of which was forwarded to the board of management of the school recently. To satisfy the criteria as outlined in the circular letter the enrolment of Achonry school on 30 September, 2000 would have to increase by at least 25 pupils over the number enrolled on 30 September, 1999. Accordingly the school would require an enrolment of at least 69 pupils on 30 September, 2000 to gain an additional teaching post.

If the board of management of the school are confident that the overall enrolment of the school on 30 September, 2000 will be in excess of 69 pupils they should apply to the primary payments branch of my Department for the allocation of a teaching post under the "developing school" status.