asked the Minister for Education what constitutes overcrowding in national schools.
Written Answers. - Overcrowding in National Schools.
175.
The relevant section of the Rules for National Schools is as follows:
Rule 31: Fifteen square feet of floor space should be provided for each pupil. In order to prevent overcrowding the Minister may require that the enrolment of pupils should be restricted so as to allow fifteen square feet for each unit of average attendance.
Rule 44 (2) Normally classroom accommodation is based on an allowance of 15 square feet per pupil.
(3) A floor area of approximately 600 square feet is normally allowed for each classroom. In special cases the floor area may be varied with the Minister's approval.
Rule 44 (4) In planning schools a separate classroom should be provided for each teacher on the recognised staff.