Vol. 545 No. 1
335 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide an additional full-time teacher for St. Seachnaill's national school in Dunshaughlin, County Meath; if he will review the regulations to allow student numbers to be taken into account when making the allocation for teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29785/01]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that, based on the current staffing schedule, St. Seachnaill's will qualify for an additional mainstream teacher on 1 September 2002.
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 reviewed annually following discussions with the education partners. This schedule may only be deviated from in exceptional cases and in the case of schools with developing school status. The criteria to qualify for a post under developing school status are outlined in Circular 12/01. This circular was issued to all boards of management earlier this year.
The enrolment in the school referred to by the Deputy was 322 pupils on 30 September 2000 which warrants a staffing of principal plus 11 mainstream class teachers for the 2001-02 school year. Unfortunately, the school's current enrolment does not qualify it for an additional mainstream class teacher on developing school status for this school year.
336 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will reverse the suppression of a teaching post at the Castleknock educate together school, Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29786/01]
I have requested an official of my Department to visit the school referred to by the Deputy and submit a report to me on the staffing situation there. The board of management of the school will be advised of the position when the report is examined.
