Vol. 561 No. 1
289 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science if the pupil teacher ratio pertaining to Scoil Phádraig Naofa, Athy, a boys' school, compares less favourably to that existing in Scoil Mhichíl Naofa, Athy, a junior and girls' school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3599/03]
The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year. The number of mainstream teaching posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule which is finalised for a particular school year following discussions with the education partners. The number of mainstream teachers in these two schools is determined by reference to this schedule, in the normal fashion. Both schools are included in the Giving Children an Even Break programme, and accordingly are eligible to be considered for a range of additional supports, including teacher posts and financial supports to be targeted at disadvantaged pupils. My Department will forward directly to the Deputy a precise breakdown of the staffing in each school.
