Vol. 542 No. 5
473 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the circumstances which gave rise to the present crisis in teacher numbers at Holy Cross Primary School, Tramore, County Waterford; the action he will take to rectify the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25159/01]
The staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on the 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 current staffing of Holy Cross Primary School is a principal and 15 mainstream class teachers, which is based on the enrolment of 444 as at 30 September 2000. The school also has a learning support teacher. The enrolment of the school as at 30 September 2001 will determine the staffing levels for the 2002/2003 school year. The only deviation from the agreed arrangements is in the case of developing schools. The increase in enrolment between 30 September 2000 and 30 September 2001 does not satisfy the criteria for the allocation of an additional post for the 2001-02 school year.
