Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 3 Nov 1998

Vol. 495 No. 7

Written Answers. - School Staffing.

John V. Farrelly

Ceist:

689 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps, if any, he will take to reduce the pupil teacher ratio and increase the staffing levels at a school (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21296/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

As the Deputy may be aware, the staffing of a national school for a particular school year is determined by the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year.

The 18th teaching post at the above school was lost at the end of the 1997-98 school year because the enrolment at the school had declined from 552 pupils in September 1996 to 519 pupils in September 1997. The retention figure for the 18th teaching post was 541.

I should point out that, in addition to a principal and 17 class teachers, the school also has the services of a remedial teacher, three special additional assistants and a shared resource teacher.

Unfortunately, in light of the overall enrolment decline at the school I regret that I am unable to accede to the Deputy's request in this matter.