Vol. 541 No. 5
264 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will ensure that the sixth assistant teacher at the Abbey national school, Roscommon town, is retained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23357/01]
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 of the school in question decreased from 180 pupils on 30 September 1999 to 171 pupils on 30 September 2000. The latter enrolment entitles the school to a principal and five mainstream class teachers for the school year 2001-02. This is the authorised staffing for the school. In addition, the school has a resource teacher for pupils with special needs, a resource teacher for Travellers, a resource teacher and the services of a learning support teacher.
