Vol. 533 No. 6
453 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the number of teachers in Killeagh national school, County Cork, has been reduced from four to three since September 2000; the number of pupils attending at present; the projected number by September 2001; the maximum recommended number of pupils per classroom; if he will reinstate the fourth teacher in September 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9720/01]
The staffing of primary schools is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year. This is in accordance with guidelines agreed between this Department and the education partners.
The staffing schedule is structured to ensure that all primary schools will operate to a maximum class size of 30 pupils.
The enrolment of 77 pupils at Killeagh national school on 30 September 1999 warrants a staffing of a principal and two mainstream class teachers for the 2000-01 school year. Therefore, the third mainstream class teacher's post was suppressed at the end of the 1999-00 school year. The school also has the services of a learning support teacher.
The enrolment on 30 September 2000 was 78 pupils, which is the most up to date information available to my Department on the number of pupils in the school.
A circular outlining the schedule and staffing arrangements for primary schools in the 2001-02 school year will be issued in the near future to the boards of management of all primary schools.
Question No. 454 answered with Question No. 451.
Question No. 455 answered with Question No. 427.
