Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 25 Oct 1995

Vol. 457 No. 5

Written Answers. - Teacher Appointment.

Joe Walsh

Ceist:

62 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Education if she will grant concessions for the appointment of a temporary teacher pending the appointment of a permanent teacher in September 1996, to a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [15683/95]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The staffing of a national school for a particular year is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous year.

The staffing allocation of the school in question for the current school year is a principal and three assistants. This allocation was determined by reference to the school's enrolment of 116 pupils on 30 September, 1994. In September, 1995, the school's enrolment had increased to 129 pupils. This latter enrolment is sufficient to warrant the appointment of an extra assistant in September, 1996.

Exceptions to the normal staffing arrangements arise when a school experiences rapid growth in its enrolment, or where it is not possible to organise classes within maximum class size guidelines.

Although this school is experiencing some growth in its enrolment, the level of growth is not sufficient to qualify for additional staffing in the current school year. Additionally, since the current enrolment can be managed within recommended maximum class size guidelines, I regret to inform the Deputy that it is not possible to sanction the appointment of a temporary teacher for the current school year.