Vol. 553 No. 6
167 Mr. S. Power asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason Brannockstown National School, Brannockstown, Naas, County Kildare, will not be granted a fourth teacher despite a recommendation by a Department inspector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14888/02]
The staffing of a national school for a school year is determined by the enrolment in the school on 30 September of the previous year. This is in accordance with an agreement on staffing entered into between the Government and the education partners.
The enrolment of this school on 30 September 2001 was 74 pupils which warrants a staffing of a principal and two mainstream class teachers for the 2002-03 school year. As the agreed appointment figure for the third mainstream class teacher is 82 pupils, I regret there is no basis on which I may sanction this post at Brannockstown national school for the 2002-03 school year.
A report on the staffing and enrolment at this school was considered recently. However, the school can only obtain an additional teaching post in the 2002-03 school year is if it satisfies the developing school criteria as outlined in paragraph 2 of circular 9/02. If the board of management feels the enrolment on 30 September 2002 will be 99 pupils or more it may apply to the primary payments section of my Department for a developing school post.
168 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science when a resource teacher will be provided for a primary school (details supplied) in County Mayo. [14889/02]
169 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science when a classroom assistant, already approved, will be provided for a person (details supplied) attending a primary school in County Mayo. [14890/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 168 and 169 together.
My officials are investigating the issues referred to by the Deputy and contact will be made with the school authorities shortly.
