Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am glad to hear that the moratorium on DEIS applications is being lifted. The particular school to which I refer expects to have 18 pupils enrolled which is almost over the line for a second teacher. I do not understand how the system works. I know that the staffing schedule circular for 2017-18 is due in mid-January. Will it be announced then as to whether this school will get another teacher? The school will have less chance of attracting more pupils if parents cannot plan ahead. St. Brendan's could have 22 pupils in 2018, especially if it has a second teacher. It expects to have 26 pupils in 2019 but obviously those additional pupils are unlikely to materialise in the absence of a positive sign from the Department, at an early stage, that it will facilitate the appointment of a second teacher.

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