John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 556: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of the 13 seconded teachers at primary level and the 24 seconded teachers at post primary level who have been assigned to a notional school for payment purposes, had a permanent teaching position in a school here at the time of their secondment; the number of those 37 seconded teachers who never had a permanent teaching position in a school here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9366/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Of the teachers who, for salary payment purposes, have been assigned to a notional school, 25 are employed in a temporary capacity. As insufficient suitable applicants from the ranks of serving teachers presented for selection to these posts, other suitable and qualified teachers were recruited to meet the Department's obligation under a European cultural agreement to the European schools project and to participate in various programmes, such as the reading recovery initiative, operating under the auspices of the Department.

John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 557: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when authorisation will be approved for a school (details supplied) for additional facilities, including a classroom; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the school is facing a crisis with 12 pupils leaving in June 2006 and 39 requests for enrolment; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the school is reluctantly prepared to undertake the work involved under the devolved system to have the accommodation ready in time to cope with the increased numbers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9368/06]

John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 558: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if the school authorities will refuse all enrolments having reached the maximum class average total of 230 pupils with regard to a school (details supplied) in County Leitrim; the way in which the school should advise parents whose children are refused; if the school accepts all enrolments and receives the new classroom teacher under developing school status; the way in which this school will cater for September numbers in view of the impossibility of a job completion at this stage; if the school authorities will initiate the planning process immediately in anticipation of a positive response; the reason that a decision has not been made as this school is designated disadvantaged and runs many programmes. [9369/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 557 and 558 together.

The staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year. This is in accordance with guidelines agreed between this Department and the education partners. The enrolment of the school referred to by the Deputy on 30 September 2005 was 190 pupils. This enrolment will entitle the school to a staffing of principal and seven mainstream class teachers for the 2006-07 school year.

The agreement referred to can only be deviated from when a school experiences rapid growth in its enrolment. Rapid growth is defined as an increase in its enrolment in one year relative to the previous year of 25 pupils plus a stipulated excess of five pupils on the appointment figure. For this school to be considered for developing school status the school would require a minimum enrolment of 215 pupils on the 30 September 2006.

If the board of management of the school believes the enrolment of the school will increase to a minimum of 215 pupils by 30 September 2006, it may apply for a post under the developing school criteria as outlined in Department circular 23/06 which is available on my Department's website. My officials are in receipt of an application for additional accommodation at the school and further information as been sought from the school authority with a view to determining the long-term accommodation needs of the school.

Factors which will be considered in this assessment include the current and projected enrolment, demographic trends in the area and the likely impact of recent and planned housing developments. When the long-term accommodation needs are determined a decision will then be made on how best to provide an accommodation solution. The building project required will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme 2006-10.

My officials will be in contact with the school authority regarding its application under the additional accommodation scheme 2006 with a view to addressing its need for an additional classroom should the school make a successful application for a developing post.