Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 30 Nov 1999

Vol. 511 No. 6

Written Answers. - School Staffing.

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

387 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Education and Science if the position of administrative principal will be restored to Scoil an Athair Tadhg, Carraig na bhFear, County Cork, in view of the fact that this post was discontinued in the school from 1 September 1999 due to a temporary drop in pupil numbers recorded on 30 September 1998 (details supplied); and if he will restore the status quo. [24966/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

As the Deputy will be aware a school requires a staffing of principal and eight mainstream class teachers before the principal can be designated as an administrative principal.

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 of Scoil an Athair Tadgh for the 1999-2000 school year is a principal and seven mainstream class teachers based on an enrolment of 222 pupils on 30 September 1998.

The enrolment of the school on 30 September 1999 was 229 pupils which warrants a staffing of principal and eight assistants for the 2000-2001 school year. Subject to verification of the enrolment on 30 September 1999 the appointment of an administrative principal will be sanctioned for the 2000-2001 school year.