Liam Aylward
Ceist:226 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will maintain the staffing level in a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [12436/01]
Written Answers - School Staffing.
The staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year. The actual number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule and is finalised for a particular year following discussions with the education partners.
The enrolment at the school in question has decreased from 180 pupils on 30 September 1999 to 171 pupils on 30 September 2000. This latter enrolment will entitle the school to a staffing of a principal and five mainstream class teachers for the 2001-2002 school year.
In addition, the school has services of a shared learning support teacher. The only deviation from the agreed schedule to which I referred is in the case of schools that are experiencing a large increase in enrolments. In such cases an additional staffing post may be sanctioned by my Department if the school meets the defined criteria.