Vol. 567 No. 2
188 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding teacher numbers at a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; the reason for the delay in sanctioning a fourth mainstream class teacher for the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13946/03]
The staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year. This is in accordance with guidelines agreed between my Department and the education partners.
The school in question had an enrolment of 80 pupils on 30 September 2002 which entitles the school to a staffing of a principal and two mainstream class teachers for the 2003-04 school year.
The agreed appointment figure for the third mainstream class teacher is 82 pupils and consequently there is no basis on which my Department may sanction an additional teaching post in Scoil Cheann Trá.
An independent appeals board was established to adjudicate on appeals from boards of management on mainstream staffing allocations in primary schools. The appeals board operates independently of the Minister and the Department and its decision is final. A circular outlining these new procedures issued to all primary schools.
The staffing of the school referred to by the Deputy for the 2003/04 school year was considered by the appeals board on 9 April 2003. I understand that the board of management of the school was notified of the decision of the appeals board on 10 April, 2003.
