Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2004
46 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools that will face a reduction in teaching numbers for the 2004-05 academic year; the number of these schools that are classified as disadvantaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14280/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous year. The number of mainstream posts is determined by reference to a schedule which is finalised for a particular school year following discussions with the education partners. The staffing schedule for the coming school year issued to all primary schools in April 2004.
Some 246 schools are due to have the number of approved mainstream teaching posts reduced for the 2004-05 school year as a result of the application of the staffing schedule. Some 73 of the schools concerned have been designated as disadvantaged. For the 2004-05 school year, I have decided that the determination by reference to enrolments in junior and senior classes at 30 September 2003 of teacher posts allocated for disadvantage will remain unchanged. Some 311 designated disadvantaged schools have 293 concessionary teaching posts, which are not determined by reference to enrolment. Some 32 schools are considered for staffing at a pupil teacher ratio of 15:1 in junior classes and 27:1 in senior classes. Some 209 schools are considered for staffing at a pupil teacher ratio of 20:1 in junior classes and 27:1 in senior classes. Details of the number of schools gaining or losing posts by reference to enrolment in these schools are currently being finalised and I will ask my officials to forward this information to the Deputy when it is available. A detailed review of educational disadvantage schemes is nearing completion and this will impact on existing schemes. The outcome of this review will be announced in due course.
