230 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason it is proposed to terminate the employment of the eighth assistant teacher in a school (details supplied) in County Monaghan from September 2007; if she has taken extenuating circumstances into account; if she has considered the class amalgamations that will ensue from the loss of the teacher resulting in several multiple classes with enrolments exceeding best practice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12177/07]

The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30th September of the previous school year. The actual number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule which is issued to all primary schools each year.

Data submitted to my Department by the Board of Management of the school referred to by the Deputy, indicates that the enrolment in the school on 30th September 2005 was 217 pupils. In accordance with the staffing schedule (Circular 0023/2006), which is available on my Department's website at www.education.ie, the mainstream staffing in the school for the 2006/07 school year is a Principal and 8 mainstream class teachers.

According to data submitted to my Department by the Board of Management, the enrolment in the school on 30th September 2006 was 206 pupils. In accordance with the staffing schedule (Circular 0020/2007), which is also available on my Department's website and a hard copy of which will be issued to all primary schools shortly, the mainstream staffing in the school for the 2007/08 school year will be a Principal and 8 mainstream class teachers.

There will, therefore, be no reduction in the mainstream staffing in the school for the 2007/08 school year as compared to the current school year.