Vol. 550 No. 4
753 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will ensure the retention of a teacher at Ballintubber national school, County Roscommon in view of the fact that there are two special needs children who will be forced into an oversized multi-grade senior class from September 2002 due to his Department's decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8677/02]
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 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 Ballintubber national school has decreased from 82 pupils on 30 September 2000 to 81 pupils on 30 September 2001. This latter enrolment will entitle the school to a staffing of a principal and two mainstream class teachers for the 2002-03 school year.
I have also asked my Department to establish if there are any special circumstances in this case.
My Department recently sanctioned a full-time resource post to be shared by the school in question with three other schools in the locality. The special needs pupils referred to by the Deputy are on the case load of this post.
754 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will ensure the retention of a teacher at Ballyleague national school, County Roscommon in view of the fact that there are two special needs children who will be forced into an oversized multi-grade senior class from September 2002 due to the Department's decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8678/02]
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 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 Ballyleague national school has decreased from 55 pupils on 30 September 2000 to 45 pupils on 30 September 2001. This latter enrolment will entitle the school to a staffing of a principal and one mainstream class teacher for the 2002-03 school year.
I have also asked my Department to establish if there are any special circumstances in this case.
The school shares a resource teaching post with three schools in the locality. The special needs pupils in question are on the caseload of this resource post.
Question No. 755 answered with Question No. 714.
