Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Jun 2001

Vol. 538 No. 3

Written Answers. - School Staffing.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

323 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) in County Wexford has been refused sanction as a substitute teacher and has been denied payment in respect of employment as a substitute teacher for two weeks from 23 April 2001 on the grounds that she was disabled and availing of a salary protection scheme prior to retiring in September 2000 at age 66; if he will arrange payment in respect of her two weeks' employment as a substitute teacher; if the decision not to employ her as a substitute teacher can be reconsidered if she is deemed medically fit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17871/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The person in question is in receipt of an ill health retirement pension with effect from 1 April 1989 under the national teachers superannuation scheme. This pension was awarded on the basis that she was suffering from an infirmity which was likely to be permanent.

In the circumstances, she may not be employed as a primary teacher except on production of a medical report of fitness from a recognised medical practitioner, which is acceptable to the chief medical officer.

Payment in respect of substitute work could be considered only subsequent to the person referred to by the Deputy being deemed fit by the chief medical officer to resume teaching duty.

John Ellis

Question:

324 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will appoint a remedial teacher to a school (details supplied) in County Leitrim. [17872/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the school in question will be provided with remedial teaching support for the coming school year.

Michael Creed

Question:

325 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will review the situation arising at a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary where the school, as a result of a drop in numbers, could face the possible loss of a teacher. [17931/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

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 the school in question has decreased from 469 pupils on 30 September 1999 to 441 pupils on 30 September 2000. This latter enrolment will entitle the school to a staffing of a principal and 15 mainstream class teachers for the 2001-02 school year.

In addition, the school has a learning support teacher and a 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. In such cases an additional staffing post may be sanctioned by my Department if the schools meet the defined criteria. If the school considers that it will meet the developing schools criteria they should forward an appeal to my Department.

Unfortunately, at this time, it is not possible to sanction the retention of the 16th mainstream teaching post for the school year.