Vol. 537 No. 1
195 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will respond to the board of management of St. Patrick's senior school, Skerries, County Dublin, for the retention of a teacher in September 2001 in view of the implications for the children (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15530/01]
The staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year. The actual number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule and is finalised for a particular year following discussions with the education partners.
The enrolment at St. Patrick's senior school has decreased from 369 pupils on 30 September 1999 to 355 pupils on 30 September 2000. This latter enrolment will entitle the school to a staffing of a principal and 12 mainstream class teachers for the 2001-02 school year. An enrolment of 360 pupils on 30 September 2000 was required for the retention of the post of the thirteenth mainstream class teacher. The school also has the services of a learning support teacher and a shared resource teacher.
The only deviation from the agreed schedule, to which I referred, is in the case of schools that are experiencing a large increase in enrolments. The board of management of St. Patrick's senior school was advised in writing on 11 May 2001 that the projected enrolment for September 2001 is not high enough to warrant the retention of the thirteenth mainstream class teacher for the 2001-02 school year.
