Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2004
351 Mr. B. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if it is his intention to review the cutting back of two teachers at a school (details supplied) in County Cork in view of the serious impact on teacher-pupil numbers. [21237/04]
View answerThe staffing of a primary school for a particular school year 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 enrolment of the school referred to by the Deputy at 30 September 2003 was 374 pupils, which warrants a staffing of principal plus 13 mainstream posts 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. Details of the appeals procedure are outlined in the Department's primary circular 03/04 which was issued to all primary schools in April 2004.
