Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 25 Feb 1993

Vol. 426 No. 7

Written Answers. - Neilstown (Dublin) School.

Austin Currie

Ceist:

248 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Education if she will ensure the retention of the current level of teaching posts at St. Peter Apostle National School, Neilstown, County Dublin in view of the inclusion of this school in her Department's scheme for designated disadvantaged areas, the findings and recommendations of the North Clondalkin Task Force and other factors (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The staffing of a national school is determined by the enrolment in the school on the 30 September of the previous year.

In the case of St. Peter Apostle Junior national school there were 355 pupils enrolled on the 30 September, 1991. This number warranted a staff of Principal plus 11 assistants for the 1992/93 school year. The school also has the services of a full-time remedial teacher, a concessionary teacher under the special scheme for schools serving disadvantaged areas and an assistant in charge of a special class.

There were 326 pupils enrolled in the school on 30 September 1992, a drop of 29 pupils compared with the preceding year. While the staffing arrangements for the 1993/94 school year have not yet been finalised, an enrolment of 326 would warrant a staff of Principal plus ten assistants.

In the case of St. Peter Apostle Senior national school there were 350 pupils enrolled on the 30 September, 1991. This number warranted a staff of Principal and 11 assistants for the 1992/93 school year. The school also has the services of a full-time remedial teacher, a concessionary teacher under the special scheme for schools serving disadvantaged areas, two assistants in charge of special classes.

A home-school liaison teacher is shared between the schools. There were 306 pupils enrolled in the school on the 30 September 1992, a drop of 44 pupils compared with the preceding year. While the staffing arrangements for the 1993/94 school year have not yet been finalised, an enrolment of 306 would warrant a staff Principal plus 10 assistants.

My Department will be in touch with the authorities in both schools regarding staffing as soon as the arrangements have been finalised.