Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 3 Jul 2001

Vol. 540 No. 1

Written Answers. - School Staffing.

Michael Noonan

Ceist:

481 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science if Scoil Mhuire national school, Meelick, County Clare, is to lose one teacher for the next academic year; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the school must already combine classes of different years and the loss of a further teacher will cause it significant problems; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) in County Clare with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder and dyslexia will have diminished access to educational guidance as a result of this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19786/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on the 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 Scoil Mhuire has decreased from 186 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 2001-02 school year.

In addition, the school has the services of a learning support teacher and a resource teacher which they shall retain for the 2001-02 school year. With regard to the person referred to by the Deputy with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and dyslexia, my officials are currently liaising with the school inspector on this issue. Arrangements will be made to contact the school authorities regarding this matter as soon as possible.