Vol. 493 No. 5
232 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will examine the case of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 11 which is to lose 6.25 teachers in view of the fact that it has doubled its overall numbers; and if he will have special arrangements made to assist the school in view of the circumstances and in the event of the European Commission being unable to do so. [16596/98]
The school referred to by the Deputy is under the control of City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee. The staffing of individual schools within a VEC is a matter, in the first instance, for the VEC concerned.
I understand that the enrolment in the school referred to declined by 49 pupils between September 1996 and September 1997. This reduction would have a considerable effect on the staffing allocation for the 1998/99 school year. My Department is prepared to consider an appeal of teacher allocation from City of Dublin VEC if it is considered that enrolments overall are projected to increase or if there are other special circumstances pertaining to this school.
