Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 158: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if the position of administrative principal will be retained in a school (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26514/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The staffing of a special school is determined by reference to the recommendations outlined in the Report of the Special Education Review Committee, 1993, also known as the SERC Report. In accordance with SERC, the staffing level in the school in question should be a teaching principal and two class teachers. In recognition of the extent of planning work associated with setting up a new school, the Department permitted the principal to operate in an administrative capacity to ensure the successful establishment of the school. The school is now well established and the administrative status of the principal will discontinue for the 2008/2009 school year when the principal will return to teaching duties. The Department initially advised the school of this arrangement in a letter dated 16th August, 2007. However, in recognition of the complexity of the special educational needs of the pupils in the school, the National Council for Special Education has approved a temporary teacher in the school for the 2008/2009 school year.

The overall number of teaching staff in the school for the 2008/2009 school year will therefore remain the same as in 2007/2008.

Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 159: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if the position of administrative principal will be retained in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26515/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The staffing of a special school is determined by reference to the recommendations outlined in the Report of the Special Education Review Committee, 1993, also known as the SERC Report. In accordance with SERC, the staffing level in the school in question should be a teaching principal and one class teacher. In recognition of the extent of planning work associated with setting up a new school, the Department permitted the principal to operate in an administrative capacity to ensure the successful establishment of the school. The school is now well established and the administrative status of the principal will discontinue for the 2008/2009 school year when the principal will return to teaching duties. The Department initially advised the school of this arrangement in a letter dated 15th August, 2007. However, in recognition of the complexity of the special educational needs of the pupils in the school, the National Council for Special Education has approved a temporary teacher in the school for the 2008/2009 school year.

The overall number of teaching staff in the school for the 2008/2009 school year will therefore remain the same as in 2007/2008. The Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) confirmed the position with the school authorities on 1st July, 2008.