385 Mr. Cosgrave asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will ensure that a teacher will not be lost by St. Fintan's national school, Sutton, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14955/01]

The staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year. The number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule and is finalised for a particular year following discussions with the education partners. The enrolment at the school in question has decreased from 367 pupils on 30 September 1999 to 350 pupils on 30 September 2000. This latter enrolment will entitle the school to a staffing of a principal and 12 mainstream class teachers for the 2001-02 school year. In addition, the school has a learning support teacher.

The only deviation from the agreed schedule to which I referred is in the case of schools that are experiencing a large increase in enrolments. In such cases an additional staffing post may be sanctioned by my Department if the schools meet the defined criteria. The school's board of management has decided not to proceed with their appeal and have withdrawn their application for retention of the 13th mainstream teaching post at the school.