Vol. 508 No. 3
345 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the delay in appointing an additional teacher to Ballinlough national school in view of the fact that a letter was received by his Department on 6 February 1999; when he will make a decision on the appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18603/99]
As the Deputy may be aware 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 authorised staffing at Ballinlough national school for the 1999-2000 school year is a principal and one mainstream class teacher based on an enrolment of 17 pupils on 30 September 1998. This is an increase of one mainstream class teacher on the staffing for the 1998-99 school year.
The school was informed they were entitled to an additional post by way of Department Circular 5/99 which issued to all schools in April 1999.
