School Staffing.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 November 2005

Tuesday, 8 November 2005

Questions (43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50)

Seán Crowe

Question:

136 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science when she intends to provide a second adult to the 20 one-teacher schools currently in operation here. [32745/05]

Brendan Howlin

Question:

139 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the health and safety concerns expressed by the one-teacher support group; if she will address their concerns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32764/05]

Marian Harkin

Question:

566 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to deal with safety issues in one-teacher schools (details supplied). [33381/05]

Paudge Connolly

Question:

610 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the appointment of a classroom assistant to the 20 remaining one-teacher schools throughout the country from a health and safety perspective to provide for various emergency contingencies which arise daily; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32645/05]

Joe Costello

Question:

619 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there are 20 one-teacher schools here at present; if her attention has further been drawn to the recent establishment of the one-teacher school support council to campaign on their behalf; if a classroom assistant or a special needs assistant will be appointed to each of the one-teacher schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32812/05]

Joe Higgins

Question:

626 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science if each of the 20 one-teacher schools here will be authorised to employ another adult to guarantee the health and safety of the pupils in these schools. [32883/05]

Dinny McGinley

Question:

635 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the establishment of an organisation (details supplied); and her plans to alleviate the difficulties being encountered by teachers and pupils in such schools. [33096/05]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

703 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if provision can or will be made for an extra teacher or classroom assistant for all one-teacher schools here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33231/05]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 136, 139, 566, 610, 619, 626, 635 and 703 together.

The mainstream teacher allocation of all primary schools, including one-teacher schools, is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year. The staffing schedule is outlined in a circular which is issued annually to all primary schools. In addition, such schools may be eligible for additional teacher or special needs assistant allocations in accordance with the criteria for the allocation of special needs resources. The staffing situation of one-teacher schools is being reviewed.