School with two pupils ‘should stay open’

A primary school with just two pupils should continue operating, despite the disproportionate staffing costs, Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan has insisted.

Scoil Aoife in west Tallaght has enrolled a second child since the Irish Examiner revealed eight days ago that it started up in a community centre with only one girl in junior infants. As long as the numbers remain in single digits, it is likely that a second person will have to be in the class at all times with the teacher in line with normal child protection rules.

As its patron until the country’s nine community national schools formally come under the control of local education and training boards (ETBs), Ms O’Sullivan said the school will eventually prosper.