Vol. 570 No. 3
187 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has received submissions seeking a review of the allocation of teachers to a school (details supplied) in Dublin 3; if he will meet with representatives of the school to discuss the situation; and if teachers freed under the demographic dividend are available to be allocated for this purpose. [19099/03]
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. The staffing at the school referred to by the Deputy for the 2003-04 school year was considered by the appeals board. The board was satisfied that a departure from the staffing schedule is not warranted in this case. The board of management of the school was notified of the decision of the appeals board in April. The decision of the appeals board is final. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the operation of the independent appeals board.
Teachers who are surplus to the approved quota of teachers in individual schools are placed on relevant panels for re-deployment to schools within the panel area which have fillable vacancies. There is no provision for such teachers to be re-deployed to schools which do not have fillable vacancies.
188 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science if a special needs assistant will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare commencing primary education at St. Conleth's Infant School, Newbridge, in September 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19100/03]
My Department is currently processing applications made by schools for special education supports after 14 February 2003. The process involves an examination of each application and supporting documentation by the national educational psychological service and schools will be informed of the outcome at the earliest possible date. An application in respect of the person referred to by the Deputy will be considered in this context.
