Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 3 Oct 2000

Vol. 523 No. 1

Written Answers. - School Staffing.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

977 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason he has removed a teacher from the staff of St. Brigid's primary school, Haddington Road, Dublin 4, when, according to the staffing schedule, schools designated as disadvantaged will continue to operate under a maximum class size of 29; if such schools which, based on their 30 September 2000 enrolments, are unable to organise classes in compliance with this guideline may apply for additional posts before 1 November 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19175/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

As the Deputy is 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.

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the school recently received sanction for the appointment of an extra teacher, a second resource teacher, for the 2000-01 school year. In addition to a principal and eight mainstream teachers the school will also retain the services of their first resource teacher, a concessionary teacher due to the school's disadvantaged status and a home-school liaison teacher for the current school year.