IRELAND NOW HAS no fewer than 44 primary schools with only one teacher.
Information provided by Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan shows the rate of one-teacher schools has risen sharply in recent years – quadrupling from just 11 in the 2011-12 school year.
In response to a parliamentary question by Fianna Fáil TD Éamon Ó’Cuiv, the Minister provided this chart, which shows the number of one-teacher schools exploded following severe cutbacks in Budget 2012:
Furthermore, details obtained by TheJournal.ie (below) show that, perhaps unsurprisingly, isolated rural areas, particularly on the West coast, are especially affected by the phenomenon.
Éamon Ó’Cuiv told TheJournal.ie that a “miniscule” change to nationwide pupil-teacher ratios could have prevented the targeting of what he calls “vulnerable” schools.
The justification for cutting teachers was to save money.
But instead of making a small adjustment in the ratio across the country, which would have had a miniscule effect, they targeted one, two, three and four-teacher schools.
In a budget of billions of euro for primary schools, the Galway West TD says, the cost of addressing the problem would be “a tiny fraction” – around €1 millon.
In her answer, Minister O’Sullivan told the Dáil:
The government recognises the importance of small schools to rural communities.
However, this does not mean that they can be exempt from the budgetary measures that have contributed to putting our public finances on a more sustainable basis.
Ó’Cuiv, though, says the budget cuts unfairly target island communities who, due to their geography, “have no choice” in the matter.
If you wanted to amalgamate schools in Inismaan and Inishturk you’d have to dig up the islands and place them next to each other.
Minority protestant schools are also “vulnerable over the long term”, to reductions in teacher numbers, says the former Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
We need to show particular sensitivity and inclusiveness to protestant schools in border areas, and have regard for their history.
O’Sullivan told the Dáil the dramatic increase in one-teacher schools would slow in the coming years:
Given that the last of the Budget 2012 phased increases in pupil thresholds has been implemented, the overall number of one-teacher schools should now start to stabilise.
Ó’Cuiv rejects this, saying that over the long term, “the numbers will rise inexorably.”
When a school’s pupil-teacher ration falls beneath 20, they’re left with one teacher, and what happens is that people on the margins of catchment areas start to migrate away.
Once you fall into the one teacher category, it’s very hard to jump back out again.
Here is the list of primary schools with one teacher in the 2014-2015 academic year:
1.Corratober NS, Arva, Co Cavan
2.Coolmeen N S, Kilmurray Mcmahon, Kilrush, Co Clare
3. Doonaha N S, Kilkee, Co Clare
4. Shannon Airport No 2 Ns, Shannon Airport, Co Clare
5. Ballindangan Mixed N S, Mitchelstown, Co Cork
6. Cloghoola Mixed N S, Millstreet, Co Cork
7. Sherkin Island N S, Baltimore, Co Cork
8. Lisgriffin N S, Goleen, Skibbereen, Co Cork
9. Scoil Naomh Cholmcille, Oilean Thorai, An Bhun Bhig, Co Dhun Na Ngall
10. S N Dumhach Beag, Dumhach Beag, Baile Lair, Co Dun Na Ngall
11. Sn Arainn Mhor II, Arainn Mhor, Co Dhun Na Ngall
12. Scoil Aoife Community National School, Tallaght, Dublin 24
13. Gaelscoil Sliabh Rua, Ballyogan Road, Stepaside, Co. Dublin
14. Malahide/Portmarnock Educate Together School, Swords, Co. Dublin
15. S N Inis Meadhoin, Arainn, Co. Na Gaillimhe
16. S N Leitir Mucu, Camas, Co Na Gaillimhe
17. S N Doire Ui Bhriain, Baile Locha Riabhach, Co Na Gaillimhe
18. The Glebe N.S., Aughrim, Ballinasloe, Co Galway
19. S N Ath Eascrach Chuain, Beal Atha Na Sluagh, Co Na Gaillimhe
20. S N Breandan Naofa, Doire Iubhair, Gurteeny Woodford, Loughrea Co Galway
21. S N Cill Solain, Killasolan, Caltra, Ballinasloe, Co Galway
22. Lauragh National School, Killarney, Co Kerry
23. The Black Valley National School, Beaufort, Co Kerry
24. S N An Leana Mhoir, Beal Atha Longphoirt, Via Listowel, Co Chiarrai
25. Rathmorrel N S, Causeway, Tralee, Co Kerry
26. Gaelscoil Mhic Aodha, Radharc an Tuir, Baile Chill Dara, Co. Chill Dara
27. Mastersons N S, Manorhamilton, Co Leitrim
28. S N Na Craoibheleithe, Drumkeeran, Co Leitrim
29. Scoil Mhuire, Gleann Ruadh, Kilmallock, Co Limerick
30. Shraheen N S, Fao: Gabriel O Laimhin, Principal, Cnoc Mhor, Foxford, Co Mayo
31. St Columbas N.S., Inishturk, Co Galway
32. Killocrann N S, Castle Hill, Ballina, Co Mayo
33. Sn An Chorrain, Gob A Choire, Co Mhaigh Eo
34. Valley N S, Dugort, Achill, Co Mayo
35. S N Coill Mor, Drummin, Westport, Co Mayo
36. Cloghans Hill N S, Tuam, Co Galway
37. S N Beannchair, Carrowmore, Ballina, Co Mayo
38. S N Naomh Iosaf, Leitir, Castlebar, Co Mayo
39. Trim Educate Together National School, Trim, Co. Meath
40. S N Rath Cruachan, Beal Atha Na Gcearr, Caislean Riabhach, Co Roscommon
41. Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal, Fiobhach Diseart, Beal Atha Na Sluaighe, Co Roscomain
42. Leaffoney N S, Kilglass, Co Sligo
43. Kilross Ns, Kilross, Co Tipperary
44. Tramore Educate Together National School, Tramore, Co. Waterford
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