Vol. 541 No. 4
111 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools in County Cork; the number of these which will be eligible for the appointment of an additional teacher or teachers in September 2002; his plans in this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22738/01]
There are 365 mainstream primary schools and 12 special schools in County Cork. 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, which is finalised for a particular year following discussions with the education partners.
The enrolment on 30 September 2001 will determine the staffing for the school year 2002-03. The data in relation to the number of pupils enrolled on 30 September 2001 will be forwarded to my Department by the boards of management of the individual schools in the near future. On receipt of all the data from the individual boards, my Department will determine the staffing position of all schools by reference to the current staffing schedule.
The number of posts arising from the demographic dividend will also be determined. Discussions will then commence with the education partners with regard to the staffing schedule for the 2002-03 school year. On completion of the staffing discussions, my Department will issue a new staffing schedule for the 2002-03 school year. Schools will then be able to determine their mainstream staffing for the coming school year.
