Vol. 553 No. 6
150 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation with regard to staffing for 2003 in a school (details supplied) in County Clare; his further views on the ludicrous level of learning support hours children with the greatest need have been offered for more than two years now; and the efforts his Department has made to establish a special class for children in the region with autism disorder. [14855/02]
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 school referred to by the Deputy 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 2002-03 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 the total enrolment of the schools on the caseload of the learning support teacher is 307 pupils. I am continuing to keep the learning support provision under review. The needs of the school 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.
