Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2004
590 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on the need for an additional teacher for a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; and when this appointment will be sanctioned. [22649/04]
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 116 pupils, which warrants a staffing of principal plus three mainstream posts for the 2004-05 school year. The school also has a learning support teacher and a resource teacher.
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 this school for the 2004-05 school year was considered by the appeals board in 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 board of management of the school was notified in writing of the decision of the appeals board on 8 June 2004. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the operations of the independent appeals board.
