Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 July 2013
212. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will reverse the decision to reduce the permanent teaching staff at a school (details supplied) in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33287/13]
View answerThe criteria used for the allocation of teachers to schools is published annually on the Department's website. The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September. The staffing arrangements for the 2013/14 school year are set out in Circular 0013/2013 which is available on the website. The staffing arrangements also include an appeals mechanism for schools to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeals Board. The appeal criteria are also set out in Circular 0013/2013. The school referred to by the Deputy submitted an appeal to the Primary Staffing Appeals Board. Having considered the school's application in the context of the published grounds, the Board refused the appeal. The school was notified accordingly. The Primary Staffing Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
