Finian McGrath
Question:360 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the numbers in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 9 have increased; and if he will make this issue a priority. [21375/04]
View answerWednesday, 29 September 2004
Questions (180)
Written answers
The 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 and to the staffing schedule issued to all schools on an annual basis. This is in accordance with guidelines agreed between my Department and the education partners.
The staffing schedule is structured to ensure that all primary schools will operate to an average mainstream class size of 29 pupils. The arrangement of classes is a matter for the school authorities, which should ensure that there is an equitable distribution of pupils in mainstream classes and that the differential between the largest and the smallest classes is kept to a minimum.
The enrolment on 30 September 2003 of the school referred to by the Deputy was 369 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.