Pat Breen
Question:222 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the situation in a number of schools (details supplied) in County Clare. [14322/02]
Written Answers. - School Staffing.
In relation to the first school referred to by the Deputy, 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. The enrolment at the first school was 80 pupils on 30 September 2002. This enrolment entitles the school to a staffing of a principal and two mainstream class teachers for the 2002-2003 school year. The enrolment figure for the appointment of a third teacher is 82 pupils. Unfortunately, in this instance a third mainstream teacher cannot be sanctioned.
The school in question currently shares a learning support teacher post with three other schools. I understand that the total enrolment of the schools in question is 307 pupils. Generally, the incidence of learning support need would be in the region of 10% of pupils. I am continuing to keep the learning support provision under review. The needs of the schools in question will be taken fully into account in the event of additional learning support teacher posts becoming available for distribution.
The issue raised by the Deputy in relation to the establishment of a special class for children with autism disorder is the subject of detailed discussions between officials of my Department and representatives of the school in question. I am hopeful that these discussions will lead to a positive outcome so that appropriate support services can be put in place for the children in question as speedily as possible.
In relation to the second school referred to by the Deputy, architectural planning for a building project is at an early stage. Decisions on projects proceeding to tender and construction are taken in the light of the annual allocation for primary school buildings, the financial commitments to be met and the priority to be afforded to individual projects.
An extensive building programme for 2002 has already been approved and published. It is not envisaged that the proposed building project referred to by the Deputy will proceed to construction in 2002.
Later this year, when a financial allocation has been made for the primary school building pro gramme in the 2003 Estimates, I will be framing a further comprehensive programme of works that will proceed to construction and the second school concerned will be one of those considered for inclusion in that programme.
It is my intention to bring greater transparency to the operation of the school building programme and I intend to publish the programme annually. I am also anxious to build a multi-annual dimension into the published programme so that schools will have an indication of the expected timelines relating to their project.
In relation to the third school referred to by the Deputy, an application for major refurbishment and extension at the school has been received and is currently under consideration in the planning and building unit of my Department. As part of the consideration process, a decision on the school's long-term accommodation requirements will be made and notified to the school's board of management as soon as possible.