Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2004
586 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the increased enrolment at a school (details supplied) in Dundalk, he will reconsider the overcrowded classrooms with an average class size now of 33 pupils and increase the teacher allocation for this school. [22619/04]
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 my Department and the education partners.
The enrolment of the school referred to by the Deputy at 30 September 2003 was 233 pupils, which warrants a staffing of principal plus eight mainstream posts for the 2004-05 school year.
School authorities 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. To ensure transparency and openness in the system an independent appeals board is now in place to decide on any appeals on mainstream staffing.
The staffing of St. Malachy's national school for the 2004-05 school year was considered by the appeals board on 3 June 2004. The board, having considered the appeal with regard to the criteria outlined in Department circular 19/02, was satisfied that a departure from the staffing schedule is not warranted in this case. The Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the operation of the independent appeals board.
