Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I bring to the attention of the House the fact that three of the parents with daughters in the Assumption girls' school are in the Visitors Gallery. They have had a long day because this morning, in response to the fact that tomorrow they could lose their teacher and with the permission of the parents, there was a protest by the students outside the school. It was very emotional because they had been linked with the teacher for two months and created a proper bond with her. However, they are now being told that after next week, when they come back to school, there will be three classrooms rather than four and that they will be cramped into them. As noted by Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh, the recommended size of a classroom is 76 sq.m. The classrooms in the Assumption girls' school, which is old, are only 46.75 sq.m in size. We are talking about girls in fifth and sixth class who are growing and developing. They are not small children. This has to be a factor in the decision, but I do not know whether it has been taken into account.

Having spoken to some of the officials, it appears that the school needs to have 229 students. Those involved in it had thought it would have 234 students, as it was developing, but it did did not reach that number. It lost some children because families could not afford the rental prices in the area. They are victims of the housing crisis also. At 222 students, the school is down seven, while the official cut-off point is 229. If it was down by one student, would it still lose a teacher? There have be to be some criteria, but there cannot be a cold cut-off point. Other factors, particularly school classroom sizes, should also be taken into account. Futhermore, if there was a review, the school would probably fall under the DEIS umbrella.

I appeal to the Minister to review the situation. The matter has been submitted to the appeals board. The school originally applied for two extra teachers because it had developing school status. On 30 September, however, when it had to give the figures to the Department, it did not have the 229 students required. It then had a short time period within which to make an appeal and it appealed on the grounds of exceptional accommodation needs, but it was turned down and told it would lose this teacher which it so desperately needs. Up to 33 fifth and sixth class students will be stuck in a room 46.75 sq.m in size. Health and safety concerns and other considerations should be taken into account. Last year space in some of the classrooms was so tight that there was no room for volunteers to sit down beside students. They had to kneel beside them.

Will the Minister allow the school to retain the teacher for the eight months left in the school year and review the situation next year when it has been indicated that there will be more enrolments in the school? I hope the Minister will see sense and not take a clinical approach and cause the school to lose a teacher just because it is seven students down.

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