Vol. 519 No. 5
352 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will immediately review the proposed staffing levels at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 8 for the year 2000-01 in view of the proposed staff cuts, the special circumstances of this school and the breaking the cycle programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14463/00]
The staffing of primary schools is determined by the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year. An agreement to this effect was made between the Government and the INTO in the 1980s and this agreement has been fully and rigorously adhered to since then.
Since the introduction of the breaking the cycle pilot project, schools selected for inclusion in the urban dimension of the scheme have been allocated extra staffing resources to enable them to operate within the maximum class size of 15 pupils in all junior classes. In line with the agreement referred to above, these staffing allocations are also determined by reference to the schools enrolment at 30 September of the previous school year.
Due to a decrease in enrolments on 30 September 1999, the school referred to by the Deputy requires one teaching post less for the 2000-01 school year, than the number required in the current school year, to stay within the maximum class size guidelines.
However, there is an arrangement in place whereby schools may contact my Department if their projected enrolments are to increase for the forthcoming school year. In such situations, my Department will re-examine the school's staffing needs based on the projected enrolments.
The school in question has submitted projected enrolment figures for the forthcoming school year but the numbers do not warrant the retention of the teaching post.
However, in the particular case to which the Deputy refers, I have arranged for a member of my Department's inspectorate to visit the school as soon as possible to assess the school's overall needs.
