Vol. 540 No. 2
253 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will respond favourably to an application from Moycarkey national school, Horse and Jockey, Thurles, County Tipperary, for a temporary teacher in the school for the next school year. [20334/01]
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 the school in question has decreased from 120 pupils on 30 September 1999 to 113 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. In addition, the school has the services of a shared learning support teacher.
The agreement referred to above can only be deviated from when a school experiences rapid growth in its enrolment. Rapid growth is defined as an increase in its enrolment in one year relative to the previous year of 25 pupils. If in September the school authorities feel that they meet the rapid growth criteria they should make contact with officials of my Department.
