Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 18 Apr 2002

Vol. 552 No. 2

Written Answers. - School Staffing.

Michael Noonan

Question:

146 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to a proposal to reduce the teaching staff of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick which may soon be seeking disadvantaged status due to social and economic factors; if his attention has further been drawn to the school's concerns with regard to health and safety guidelines regarding the minimum floor space available to each pupil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12193/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The staffing of a national school for a particular school year is determined by the enrolment in the school on the 30 September of the previous year. This is in accordance with an agreement on staffing entered into between the Government and the education partners.

The enrolment of this school on 30 September 2001 was 81 pupils which warrants a staffing of a principal and two mainstream class teachers for the 2002-03 school year.

I have asked an inspector of my Department to visit the school and report on the circumstances as they exist.