The mainstream staffing allocation of a primary school for a particular year is governed by a staffing schedule, which is outlined in a circular issued to all boards of management by my Department. Accordingly, all boards will be aware of the actual staffing position for their schools.
The independent appeals board on mainstream staffing allocations commenced operation at the beginning of the 2002-2003 school year. The purpose of the board is to allow for the independent consideration of appeals, under certain criteria, on mainstream staffing allocations. These criteria were outlined in Circular 19/02, which issued to all boards of management in August 2002.
The appeals board operates independently of my Department and its decisions are final. It is not open to me to interfere in the operation of the appeals board. Decisions of the board are communicated to the board of management of the school which submits the appeal.
I have recently issued an information note on the appeals board to all Members of the Oireachtas.