Dinny McGinley
Ceist:265 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will sanction the appointment of a remedial teacher for the schools in the Glenties, Ardara and Kilkenny areas of Donegal. [7846/98]
Written Answers. - Teacher Appointments.
Michael Ring
Ceist:284 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science when a remedial teacher will be appointed to a cluster of schools (details supplied) in County Mayo. [8116/98]
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:290 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science whether a remedial teacher will be appointed in 1998 to Drummond national school, County Carlow. [8176/98]
I proposed to take Questions Nos. 265, 284 and 290 together.
In March 1997 the outgoing Minister for Education agreed staffing arrangements for primary schools for the next school year with the Irish National Teachers' Organisation. These arrangements were based on the allocation of surplus posts available for redistribution from the demographic dividend for the 1997-98 school year.
A total of 54 remedial teacher posts have been allocated to primary schools with effect from September 1997. These posts were allocated on the basis of priority of need. I am currently reviewing provision across the special needs area, including current responses to remedial needs, to ensure that all available resources are deployed as effectively as possible. I assure Deputies that the needs of the schools to which they refer will be fully considered in the context of any additional remedial teacher allocations which may be undertaken.
Pat Rabbitte
Ceist:266 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact St. Kilian's senior national school, Castleview, Dublin 24 is to lose one teacher from September 1998 although enrolment will show an increase in 1998 over 1997; his views on whether the loss of this post will mean much larger classes; whether the previous September rule for staffing is appropriate in a school with increasing numbers and with 100 houses being constructed beside the school; and if he will allow the school to retain its current staffing complement for the 1998-99 school year. [7847/98]
The present staffing complement in Saint Kilian's senior national school consists of a principal and 15 teachers, one of whom is a remedial teacher. This staffing level was determined by reference to the school's enrolment of 435 pupils in September 1996. While final decisions have not yet been made regarding the 1998-99 staffing allocations, the school's September 1997 enrolment of 414 pupils seems unlikely to be sufficient to ensure the retention of its existing staffing complement.
I note it is anticipated that the school will increase its enrolment in September 1998. A significant enrolment increase may qualify the school for a post under the criteria for either developing school status or maximum class size guidelines. Accordingly, when the staffing arrangements for primary schools for the 1998-99 school year are announced, the school's projected enrolment for September 1998 should be brought to the attention of my Department's officials by the school authorities so that the staffing levels at the school may be reassessed.