Dan Neville
Ceist:304 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will give permanent staff to a school (details supplied) in County Limerick. [2753/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 3 February 2004
Ceisteanna (176)
Freagraí scríofa
The staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment ofthe 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 school year following discussions with the education partners.
The only deviation from the agreed staffing arrangements is in the case of schools classified as "developing schools". The terms for obtaining a post as a "developing school" are outlined in primary Circular 9/03, a copy of which issued to the board of management of each school. In the case of such schools, an additional permanent post may be sanctioned provisionally pending the confirmation of the valid enrolment on 30 September. The enrolment in the school referred to by the Deputy was 25 pupils on 30 September 2002. This enrolment entitled the school to a permanent staffing of a principal and one mainstream class teacher for the 2003-04 school year. The enrolment required on 30 September 2003 to obtain a post as a developing school was 50. The board of management projected that enrolment figure and, on that basis, provisional sanction for an additional permanent post was given in a letter to the board of management in May 2003.
According to data submitted to my Department by the board of management, the school achieved the required enrolment of 50 pupils on 30 September 2003. As sanction has already been given to fill the post on a permanent basis, and the school fulfilled the required criteria, it is a matter for the board of management to make the appropriate appointment.