Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 June 2004
318 Ms M. Wallace asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department has received correspondence dated 12 May 2004 regarding a school, details supplied, in County Meath; if he will respond positively in view of he special circumstances outlined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17894/04]
View answerThe 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 this Department and the education partners. The enrolment of the school referred to by the Deputy on 30 September 2003 was 74 pupils. This enrolment will entitle the school to a staffing of principal and two mainstream class teachers for the 2004-05 school year.
The agreement referred to above can only be deviated from when a school experiences rapid growth in its enrolment. Rapid growth is defined as an increase in its enrolment in one year relative to the previous year of 25 pupils plus a stipulated excess of five pupils on the appointment figure. For this school to be considered for developing school status the school would require a minimum enrolment of 99 pupils on 30 September 2004. Unfortunately, an additional mainstream teacher cannot be sanctioned under any other circumstances.
If the board of management of the school feel that the enrolment of the school will increase to a minimum of 99 pupils by 30 September 2004, it may apply for a post under the developing school criteria as outlined in Department circular 03-04.
To ensure transparency and openness in the system, an independent appeals board is now in place to decide any mainstream staffing appeals. Details of the appeals board are outlined in Department circular 03-04. 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.
