Vol. 539 No. 1
452 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will respond to a request from St. Mary's national school, Saggart, County Dublin, in respect of the application on behalf of this school to have appointed an additional teacher from 1 September 2001; if his Department will be flexible in the application of rules to appoint such an extra teacher; and if the matter can be resolved urgently. [18917/01]
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 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 increased from 101 pupils on 30 September 1999 to 103 pupils on 30 September 2000. This latter enrolment will entitle the school to a staffing of a principal and three mainstream class teachers for the 2001-02 school year.
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 meets the defined criteria. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the school in question qualifies for an additional mainstream teacher, a fourth mainstream post, under developing criteria and that the principal of the school was advised accordingly on 19 June 2001.
