Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 May 2006
215 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will allow the staffing levels be maintained at a school (details supplied) in County Galway for the 2006-2007 school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18948/06]
View answerThe mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30th September of the previous school year. The actual number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule which is issued to all primary schools each year.
According to data submitted to my Department by the Board of Management of the school referred to by the Deputy, the enrolment in the school on 30th September 2005 was 76 pupils. In accordance with the staffing schedule (Circular 0023/2006), which has issued to all primary schools and is also available on my Department's website at www.education.ie, the mainstream staffing in the school for the 2006/07 school year will be a Principal and two mainstream class teachers.
To ensure openness and transparency in the system an independent Appeal Board is now in place to decide on any appeals. The criteria under which an appeal can be made are set out in Department Primary Circular 24/06.
The Board of Management of the school referred to by the Deputy, has submitted an appeal to the Staffing Appeal Board. The appeal will be considered by the Appeal Board at a meeting which is scheduled to take place on the 25th May 2006. The Board of Management will be notified of the outcome of the appeal as soon as possible thereafter.
The Appeal Board operates independently of the Minister and my Department and its decision is final. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the operation of the independent Appeal Board.
