Vol. 553 No. 6
172 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 438 of 26 February 2002, he will ensure the retention of a teacher at Ballyleague national school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14925/02]
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 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 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.
Unfortunately, I cannot sanction the retention of the second mainstream class teaching post for the 2002-03 school year as the school's enrolment on 30 September 2001 does not meet the retention requirement of 50 pupils. 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.
