John Perry
Ceist:185 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the correspondence sent to him on 9 December 1997 in relation to a school (details supplied) in County Sligo. [2299/98]
Written Answers. - School Staffing.
The correspondence to which the Deputy refers requested the appointment of a second teacher to a primary school in County Sligo. Currently the school in question is a one teacher school with an enrolment of 13 pupils.
The Deputy will be aware that An Action Programme for the Millennium contains a commitment to give primary education a clear priority in allocating resources. In this context, the programme specifically states that one teacher schools with ten or more pupils will receive a second teacher.
In March 1997, my predecessor agreed staffing arrangements for primary schools for the current school year in consultation with the Irish National Teachers' Organisation. These arrangements were based on the allocation of all surplus posts available for redistribution from the demographic dividend.
Since there are no teaching posts available for allocation in the current school year, I am at present examining a range of options with a view to identifying the most appropriate way to fulfil the Government's commitment to one teacher schools.
Cecilia Keaveney
Ceist:186 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the scope, if any, for reviewing the staffing of a special pilot class (details supplied) in view of the staffing ratios that are recommended for the type of students involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2300/98]
I am aware of the case made by the school in question for additional classroom assistant support in its special classes.
I am at present reviewing provision across the special needs area, including the classroom assistant area, to ensure that all available resources are deployed as effectively as possible.
I assure the Deputy that the needs of the school in question will be fully considered in this context.