asked the Minister for Education when the extra classroom accommodation recommended in respect of Sessiaghoneill National School, County Donegal, will be constructed.
63.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Donegal School.
62.
asked the Minister for Education if two extra teachers will be appointed to Sessiaghoneill National School, County Donegal.
Mr. R. Burke
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to take Questions Nos. 62 and 63 together.
The present enrolment entitles Sessiaghoneill National School to one additional teacher and sanction will be given for that appointment.
The enrolment is not sufficiently high to warrant the appointment of two extra teachers.
My Department have approved of the erection of a prefabricated classroom to accommodate the additional class.
Is the Minister aware that his information is in conflict with what has been supplied at local level by his own inspectors? The parents are quite genuinely expecting two teachers, and accommodation accordingly following on information conveyed, as I understand it, from the Minister's Department.
Mr. R. Burke
That information is not correct. Something in the nature of 30 extra points on the average would be required for the fifth teacher and the average enrolment is nothing near that at this point.
Would the Minister take into account potential enrolment in this case because it is very obvious that the trend is upward as a result of improved employment in the area in the last five or ten years?
Mr. R. Burke
Under the regulations of my Department covering the appointment of teachers I am not empowered to depart from these in any specific area. However, I will take into account for general purposes, the fact that it is a developing area and I will keep an eye on it. I cannot sanction in advance the appointment of a teacher.
Will the Minister agree to have another serious look at this case because if he does he will find that what I am advocating is justified?
Mr. R. Burke
I am prepared to accept the Deputy's point that the population is increasing, but the Deputy can be assured that there is no need for any further examination of the present position. We have sanctioned the fourth teacher and that is all we are allowed by the regulations to sanction for the moment.