I propose to answer Questions Nos. 133, 152 and 153 together.
The staffing of primary schools is determined by reference to the enrolment of the schools on 30 September of the previous school year. This is in accordance with guidelines agreed between my Department and the education partners.
Sanction of the appointment of the fourth mainstream class teacher under maximum class size guidelines for the 2000-01 school year was given in September 2000. However, as accommodation was not available, the post was not filled.
The staff warranted for the 2001-02 school year includes a principal and four mainstream class teachers. In addition, the school retains the services of a shared learning support teacher for the coming school year.
Regarding the question of the appointment of a resource teacher, my Department sanctioned 7.5 hours part-time resource support to cater for the special needs pupils enrolled in the school in question.
My Department's inspectorate has been requested to investigate the feasibility of allocating a full-time resource post to a cluster of schools in the Castlecomer area, including St. Patrick's national school. The resource teacher needs of St. Patrick's national school will be considered in this context.
An application for permanent accommodation was received by my Department in April 2001. This is being examined in the planning and building unit of my Department and a response will be issued to the board of management of the school as soon as possible.