John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 557: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when a decision will be made on the need for improved staffing levels at a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if a decision in the case will be expedited. [8855/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by applying the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year to a staffing schedule agreed between my Department and the education partners. The system for allocating teachers to primary schools is based on ensuring an overall maximum class of 29 in each school. Where some classes in a school have class sizes of greater than 29, it is generally because a decision has been taken at local level to use their teaching resources to have smaller numbers in other classes.

My Department will finalise the staffing schedule for the 2005-06 school year shortly and thereafter notify school boards of management. According to data submitted to my Department by the board of management, the enrolment on 30 September 2004 was 197 pupils. The staffing for the 2005-06 school year will be determined on the basis of this figure and in accordance with the agreed staffing schedule.

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 558: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if resource teaching and a full time needs assistant will be provided in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if she will investigate the case; and if a decision in the case will be expedited. [8856/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy may be aware that the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, which was established recently and which has been operational since 1 January 2005 is responsible for processing applications for special educational needs, SEN, supports. A total of 71 special educational needs organisers, SENOs, have been recruited throughout the country and will be a focal point of contact for schools and parents. My departmental officials have been informed by the NCSE that the matter has been referred to the local SENO who has been in contact with the parent of the pupil concerned and has arranged a meeting to discuss the matter in more detail.