Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I asked the Minister for data on schools under different categories, which would indicate those that are due to lose a teacher or not gain a teacher on the basis of pupil enrolments. It is unacceptable that we are unable to get specific details from the Minister on exactly how many children are in our national schools today. That information was provided to his Department as long ago as 30 September 2013, almost five months ago. I have asked the Minister on the floor of the Chamber today for specific details in regard to the different categories of schools, but the only information he has given is an indicative number of 34 for schools that are due to lose a teacher. He has given no indication of how many will not gain a teacher. What does the word "preliminary" mean in this context? After all, the Minister has had the information since 30 September last. Either the students are in the schools and the figures have been returned to him or they have not been. We know they have been and I do not see why he cannot provide that information to me today. I am asking for an explanation in that regard.

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