Vol. 522 No. 4
259 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will allow a three teacher school (details supplied) in County Limerick retain its third teacher as it has two children with difficulty, one who is totally blind and another suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. [18908/00]
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 between the Department and the education partners.
The current staffing at the school in question is a principal and two mainstream class teachers based on an enrolment of 57 pupils on 30 September 1998.
The enrolment at the school on 30 September 1999 decreased by seven pupils to 50 pupils. Under the staffing schedule, this enrolment, which is one pupil short of the retention figure for the second mainstream class teacher, entitles the school to a principal and one mainstream class teacher for the 2000-01 school year.
I regret it is not open to me to authorise the retention of the second mainstream teaching post into the next school year.
My Department's inspectorate is currently investigating the need for resource teaching support for two special needs pupils in the school. Upon receipt of the inspector's report, my Department will be in contact with the school authorities on this matter.
260 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science if a resource teacher will be supplied in September 2000 to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick who commences at Pallaskenry national school, Limerick. [18909/00]
I am aware of the pupil referred to by the Deputy.
My Department's inspectorate is currently investigating the need for resource teaching support for the pupil in question. Upon receipt of the inspector's report, my Department will be in contact with the school authorities in relation to this matter.
