Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 October 2013
86. Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Skills if it is intended to reduce the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) and, if so, the reason for the reduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43997/13]
View answer91. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department plans to withdraw a teacher from a school (details supplied) in County Cork at the end of this month; the reasons this change is proposed; if his attention has been drawn to the adverse consequences for pupils and staff or withdrawing a teacher during the school year; and if he is prepared to review this matter. [44044/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 91 together.
The criteria used for the allocation of teaching posts to schools, which is available on the Department website, includes the provision whereby schools experiencing rapid increases in enrolment can apply for additional permanent mainstream posts on developing grounds, using projected enrolment. The staffing schedule also includes an appeals mechanism for schools to submit an appeal under certain criteria, including developing grounds, to an independent Appeals Board.
The school referred to by the Deputy was granted a developing post on a provisional basis, pending confirmation of enrolments on 30th September 2013. The school did not reach the required enrolment to retain the post. The school have submitted an appeal to the Primary Staffing Appeals Board to retain this post. The appeal will be considered at the next meeting of the Primary Staffing Appeals Board which will take place on 22 October and the school will be notified accordingly. The Appeal Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
