I am appealing to the Minister on behalf of the management, staff, parents and, ultimately, the children of Achonry national school. The current situation for teaching staff is totally unacceptable to all the concerned parties at the school.
At present 61 children are enrolled in Achonry national school and the breakdown is as follows. There are 16 in junior infants and ten in senior infants with four in first class, four in second class, six in third class, five in fourth class, six in fifth class and ten in sixth class. Two families are anxious to enrol their children, two junior infants, in the school, but they feel, in the current circumstances, that is not possible. This is regrettable.
The children are divided into two natural groupings with the result that there is a total of 34 children in the junior room. This in itself breaches the maximum class size. Of the group, one child has special needs, five are receiving remedial attention and four have been approved for resource input. In the senior group, from a total of 27 children, eight are receiving remedial input while four others have been approved for resource input. It is worth noting that the time allocated for such intervention falls far short of the recommendations in this area. It is unbelievable that two teachers are expected to cope with the pressure of 63 pupils.
The Department's policy is to sanction new appointments based on roll numbers the previous September. However, waiting another school year for such an appointment would prove detri- mental to the education of these young children in their most formative years. I also draw the Minister's attention to the concept of equal opportunities for all children. I am sure the Minister agrees that these children are being denied one of their most basic rights.
It is also worth noting the lack of safety involved. At present, two members of staff – or, in some situations, one – are responsible for 63 children. If there is an emergency, there is no back-up or any provision in that regard. This serious issue demands a positive response from the Minister. A health and safety report is being drawn up by the bodies concerned. The Garda are also hugely concerned about the school because it is situated at a dangerous bend. The teaching staff must also control the playground facilities, but that is impossible. Details of the insurance and health concerns can be forwarded to the Minister on request. I have approximately 50 signed letters from parents who are most anxious.
It is important to note that the infrastructure is in place in the school for the appointment of a third teacher. There is a classroom and furniture. The children are also there, waiting for a positive response from the Minister. On the basis of projected figures, the appointment would be held in the next school year. These figures are also available on request.
I reiterate the concern expressed by all those involved in Achonry national school. The parents are most anxious and the interested parties would appreciate a positive response from the Minister. This would prevent further action being taken. I met the concerned parents last week and they were seriously considering withdrawing their children from the school until a temporary post is created. I strongly advised them against taking such action and said I would make an appeal to the Minister. I hope he will approve the appointment of a temporary post to alleviate the huge difficulties in Achonry national school. I hope to hear a positive response indicating that this problem can be resolved.
