Vol. 571 No. 1
500 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if an extra teacher will be granted to St. John of God's national school, Edenmore Road, Dublin 5, in order to improve the educational service and to prevent classes from having to double up. [20087/03]
Under Giving Children An Even Break, schools categorised as urban with the highest concentrations of at risk pupils, including the school referred to by the Deputy, are supported, where necessary, through staff allocations to implement a pupil teacher ratio of 20:1 in the junior classes – infants through second class – and a pupil teacher ratio of 27:1 in senior classes (third through sixth classes).
In line with normal staffing arrangements for national schools, teacher post allocations for the purpose of Giving Children An Even Break in respect of the 2003-04 school year are determined by reference to enrolments in junior and senior classes at 30 September 2002. On the basis of this approach and in order to enable the school to adhere to the maximum class size guidelines for all junior and senior classes, two teaching posts under Giving Children An Even Break have been allocated for the 2003-04 school year. 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 St. John of God's national school for the 2003-04 school year was considered by the appeals board. The board, having considered the appeal in accordance with the criteria outlined in my Department's Circular 19/02, 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 on 3 July 2003. 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.
