Vol. 526 No. 2
135 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason that a school (details supplied) in Dublin 7 has an inordinately large number of non-permanent teachers and as a result the teachers in question are unable to be eligible to do the diploma for the deaf at University College, Dublin. [26110/00]
The school in question is a special school which caters for pupils with hearing impairment at both primary and post primary level. The pupil teacher ratio applicable to the school is 7:1 and is in accordance with that recommended by the special education review committee.
I understand that the permanent staffing levels in the school are well within quota. There are currently 147 pupils enrolled in the school, 52 at primary level and 95 at post primary level. The school has a staffing of principal plus 43 teachers, 19 primary teachers and 24 post primary teachers. A total of 12 of these positions are held in a temporary capacity.
I have asked officials of my Department to review the staffing arrangements in the school. This review will also take into account the current level of temporary posts in the school and the continued need for such posts to be maintained in a temporary capacity.
The question of teaching staff in the school being able to partake in relevant courses, such as the course mentioned by the Deputy, will also be considered as part of this review.
