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School Staffing.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2004

Wednesday, 24 March 2004

Questions (96, 97, 98)

John Cregan

Question:

95 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the submission made by the parents’ association of a national school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny, he will give immediate sanction to its proposal to retain the extra teacher; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9337/04]

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Phil Hogan

Question:

100 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science if the three teachers will be maintained at Johnswell national school, County Kildare, in the interests of a good standard of education for the pupils attending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9362/04]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 100 together.

The staffing of a primary school for a school year is determined by reference to its enrolment on 30 September of the previous school year. The staffing schedule governing the appointment and retention of mainstream class teachers is finalised for a particular year following discussions between officials from my Department and the education partners. In February 2003 the staffing schedule for the current school year was issued to the boards of management of all primary schools and is also available on my Department's website.

The mainstream staffing of Johnswell national school for the current school year is a principal and two class teachers. This is based on an enrolment of 54 pupils on 30 September 2002.

The staffing schedule for the 2004-05 school year will be issued to the relevant school authorities shortly. The staffing allocation for the school for the 2004-05 school year will be determined in accordance with that schedule. It will be open to the school authorities to submit an appeal on the allocation. Appeals are forwarded to the independent staffing appeals board for adjudication.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

96 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if funding from his Department’s in-service development unit can be offered to school chaplains to enable them to continue their work; if their job can be put on a permanent professional footing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9340/04]

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My Department reviewed its supports for a range of in-service activities for personnel working in schools at primary and post-primary levels. Support was reoriented from a centralised system to local delivery based on local requirements and needs through the established national network of education centres.

My Department no longer provides direct support to schools and other bodies and groups, including the School Chaplains' Association. They are advised to contact their local education centre. They provide local in-service and support, advice and assistance to schools and their personnel in these matters. This approach will help avoid duplication and make the best use of available resources.

My Department is examining the possibility of appointing school chaplains on a permanent basis. The outcome will be notified to the relevant parties in due course.

Question No. 97 answered with QuestionNo. 94.

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