Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 9 May 2001

Vol. 535 No. 5

Written Answers - Teaching Posts.

Andrew Boylan

Question:

200 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the situation at Drumcrane national school, County Cavan, where, for the past five years, there has been a succession of temporary teachers; the reason he has not advertised permanent posts in this school; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the third to sixth classes in the school have a change of teacher on a regular basis and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13089/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The board of management of a school is charged with the direct management of the school, including the appointment of teachers. All appointments are made by the board of management. My only function in relation to appointments is to sanction the appointment made by the board of management, provided the person proposed is suitably qualified and that the appointment is in accordance with the rules for national schools.

The appointment of teachers to Drumcrave national school is a matter for the board of management of the school. I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the staffing of the school for the 2001-02 school year, based on an enrolment of 53 pupils at the school on 30 September, 2000, will increase to a principal and two mainstream class teachers. The staffing in the current school year is a principal plus one mainstream class teacher. The school also has the services of a shared learning support teacher.

Liam Aylward

Question:

201 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will arrange to have a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny appointed to a panel. [13090/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The staffing of primary schools is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on the 30 September of the previous school year. This is in accordance with guidelines agreed between my Department and the education partners. The enrolment at the school in question has decreased from 151 pupils on 30 September 1999 to 143 pupils on 30 September 2000. An enrolment of 143 pupils warrants the staffing of a principal and four mainstream class teachers for the 2001-02 school year.

The teacher referred to by the Deputy, has accepted the offer of panel rights for redeployment. The absence of a teacher from the school on paid leave, is not a basis for the retention of the teacher being offered panel rights. The school will also have the services of a learning support teacher for the 2001-02 school year.