THE number of
one-teacher schools in the country could jump from
eight to as high as 60 from September as a result of
Government increases to pupil-teacher thresholds.
Minister for Education Ruairí Quinn confirmed the
figures to Fianna Fáil in the Dáil.
Donegal deputy Charlie McConalogue said it was a
"direct admission from Minister Quinn about the real
impact of his cuts on smaller schools".
"As it stands, 52 two-teacher schools are on course
to be downgraded to one teacher schools because
their pupil numbers are below the new threshold of
20 required by Minister Quinn to retain two
teachers," said the Inishowen TD.
“The minister also confirmed in reply to my
questions that 61 three teacher schools have fallen
below the new threshold for retaining all of their
teachers. This means they have already lost a
teacher or are at risk of losing a teacher in the
future.
"Similarly, 50 four-teacher schools have been caught
by the new pupil teacher ratio and have already been
hit with cuts or are on course for future cuts to
staffing levels."
The local deputy claimed the figures were "real
evidence of the Government’s targeted campaign
against small schools". |
