Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Jun 2002

Vol. 553 No. 2

Written Answers. - School Staffing.

Seán Haughey

Question:

384 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Education and Science the figures used to determine the number of teachers a school can employ having regard to the number of pupils enrolled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13752/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

The teacher allocation to voluntary secondary, community and comprehensive schools and to vocational education committees for a particular school year consists of the allocation warranted by the recognised pupil enrolment at the end of the preceding September, as determined by the current pupil teacher ratio, together with approved ex-quota or concessionary posts as appropriate. Ex-quota posts include principal, deputy principal, learning support/remedial, career guidance and resource teaching posts.

The current PTR for appointment purposes at second level is 18:1. A de facto PTR of 16:1 applies in respect of certain programmes, for example, leaving certificate applied, leaving certificate vocational programme, junior certificate school programme and post-leaving certificate courses.

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. I am arrang ing to have a copy of the staffing schedule for the 2002-3 school year forwarded to the Deputy.