asked the Minister for Education if she can justify a reduction in the number of teachers in an inner city school such as St. Joseph's Stanhope Street, Dublin, which caters for approximately 490 pupils; if she is aware that this reduction will lead to the elimination of some honours classes for students at higher level, and to a serious reduction in the remedial services offered by the school.
Questions—Ceisteanna. Oral Answers. - Inner City Schools Teachers.
8.
The number of teachers in receipt of incremental salary in the school in question in the current school year is the same as that for the previous school year.
I do not accept the implication that the revised staffing arrangements for post-primary schools will result in undue difficulties for the school in question. The position of the additional post of a remedial teacher in the school is not affected by the revised staffing arrangements.
The changes in the pupil-teacher ratio announced last year by the Minister mean that there will be a loss of honours subjects for students at higher levels and a serious reduction in remedial services. I am advised in this matter by the teachers in this school.
The revised staffing levels in post-primary schools will be achieved as vacancies occur. My Department have no evidence at present of impending vacancies in this school. Should no vacancy occur, salary will continue to be paid in 1984-85 to all existing teachers on the staff. I have set up an advisory review committee to examine and make recommendations in cases where transitional difficulties occur. Should vacancies occur in the staff of the school in future which the numbers on the rolls would not justify filling it would be open to the school to submit a case for consideration to the review committee and to my Department. I am assured that there is no problem in relation to the remedial teachers. No approach has been made to the Department by the school in relation to the revised staffing levels. We have had no complaints or representations from the school authorities.
Perhaps I can take up the matter afterwards with the Minister of State.
Certainly.