Nora Owen
Question:191 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will approve the retention of a teacher in a school (details supplied) in County Dublin. [19333/01]
Written Answers. - School Staffing.
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 380 pupils on 30 September 1999 to 357 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.
In addition, the school has a special class 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. This school did not meet the requirements under these criteria.
Unfortunately, at this time, it is not possible to sanction the retention of the 13th mainstream teaching post for the school year 2001-02 as the schools' September 2000 enrolment does not meet the retention requirement of 360 pupils.