Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 January 2013
297. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extra staffing supports available to two schools that amalgamate; if a favourable staffing ratio is still in place; and if he will outline other supports that are available. [3804/13]
View answerWhere schools are amalgamating there is a provision for the allocation of a concessionary mainstream teaching post in cases where the approved number of mainstream teachers serving in the schools at the time the amalgamation takes place exceeds the number of mainstream posts warranted by the total enrolment on the basis of the staffing schedule. The continued allocation of the concessionary post is dependent on the teachers concerned remaining on the staff of the school and the appropriate enrolment figures being maintained.
In regard to other supports, schools may require capital investment. However, as the number of these schools is relatively small, it is not necessarily the case that capital investment would be needed to support amalgamation. However, each case is assessed on an individual basis to determine the extent and type of accommodation required taking into account the condition of buildings, site capacity etc.. My Department discusses any accommodation issues arising with the boards of management of the schools and aims to provide an appropriate accommodation solution subject to available resources.
