This is a busy time and I appreciate the Minister's presence in the Chamber to listen to my plea regarding the retention of a teacher in Scoil Naomh Mhuire, Castlegal, County Sligo. The school asked me to make a case for them to the Minister. Its enrolment will increase next September to 26 pupils. There are 20 children on the roll at present, only one of whom is leaving, and three infants are beginning in the school in September. In addition, two families are moving into the area, each with two schoolgoing children, who have indicated they wish their children to attend that school. That would bring the total enrolment up to 26, which is enough to retain the assistant teacher. Therefore, it does not make sense that they cannot hold onto the second teacher. Due to the number of families settling in the area, there are indications the school will be able to sustain the two teachers.
The school is located in a very deprived rural area on the Sligo-Leitrim border and serves the local community. The status of the school would be damaged if it lost a teacher. The assistant teacher has been notified that she will be placed on the panel. It would be more sensible to retain her so that the pupils would have continuity. The board of management has expressed a wish for the Minister to consider these points and rescind her decision. The idea of one teacher teaching children whose ages range from four to 12 years is not modern thinking and cannot be justified. It is not sound education and is unacceptable in 1996.
