Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 June 2004
143 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the decision to reduce a school (details supplied) in County Monaghan from a two-teacher school to a one teacher school in September 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19335/04]
View answerThe staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on the 30 September of the previous school year. This is in accordance with guidelines agreed between my Department and the education partners.
In the current school year the staffing of the school referred to by the Deputy is a principal and one mainstream post based on an enrolment of 12 pupils at 30 September 2002. The enrolment in the school at 30 September 2003 was ten pupils. The agreed figure for the retention of the one mainstream post is 12 pupils. In the circumstances, I regret there is no basis on which I may sanction a continuation of this post for the 2004-05 school year.
To ensure transparency and openness in the system an independent appeals board is now in place to decide on any appeals on mainstream staffing. An appeal in respect of the staffing of the school in question for the 2004-05 school year was considered by the appeals board. The board, having considered the appeal, was satisfied that a departure from the staffing schedule is not warranted in this case. The board of management of the school was notified in writing of the decision of the appeals board on 3 June 2004.
I am sure the Deputy would appreciate it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the operation of the independent appeals board.
