Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 February 2005
262 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will conduct a review into the staffing levels in primary schools; her views on the fact that the current system where a one teacher school needs a minimum of seven pupils; a two teacher a minimum of 12; a three teacher a minimum of 50; a four teacher a minimum of 82 is grossly unbalanced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5181/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 which is finalised for a particular year following discussions with the education partners.
The staffing schedule is structured to ensure that all primary schools will operate to an average mainstream class size of 29 pupils. However, the needs of smaller schools are taken into account in deciding on the schedule to be applied to such schools.
