Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 15 Jun 1999

Vol. 506 No. 2

Written Answers. - School Staffing.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

382 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if the decision to reduce the number of teachers by one at Monastery boys' national school, Tullow, County Carlow, will be reversed in view of the case put forward by the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15547/99]

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

445 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will review the enrolment numbers for Monastery boys' national school, Tullow, County Carlow, with a view to the ensuring the retention of an assistant teacher for the next school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15422/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 382 and 445 together.

The staffing of primary schools is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year. This is in accordance with guidelines agreed between this Department and the education partners.

The current staffing of Monastery boys' national school is one principal and six mainstream class teachers based on an enrolment of 208 as at 30 September 1997. The school also have the services of a shared remedial teacher and a special teacher for travellers. The enrolment as at 30 September 1998, on which the staffing for the 1999-2000 school year is based, was 179 pupils. Unfortunately, this does not meet the retention requirement for the sixth mainstream teacher despite the significant improvements which I have implemented in the 1999-2000 staffing schedule. I regret, therefore, that there is no basis whereby I can sanction the retention of the teaching post in the school for next year.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

383 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has decided on the allocation of a home school community liaison teacher to St. Gabriel's school, Aughrim Street, Dublin 7. [14817/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

My Department is currently finalising arrangements for the extension of the home-school-community liaison service to all first and second level schools which has disadvantaged status.

This extension of service will take effect from September 1999 next and the school in question will be included in this extension.

My Department will be in contact with the school in question shortly regarding the arrangements for its inclusion in the service.