Finian McGrath
Question:195. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a school in County Galway losing a teacher (details supplied). [44520/13]
View answerTuesday, 22 October 2013
Questions (195)
Written answers
The criteria used for the allocation of teaching posts to schools, which are available on the Department website, include 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 criteria for the allocation of a developing school post for the 2013/14 school year are set out in the staffing schedule, Circular 0013/2013. Schools that meet the criteria may receive sanction for additional post(s) pending the confirmation of the valid enrolment on 30th September 2013. Valid enrolments are only those pupils that are enrolled at 30 September 2013 and who are expected at that stage to continue to be enrolled in the school for the duration of the school year. If there are any short-term enrolments in the school (including pupils from another country that are temporarily enrolled to help improve their standard of English) these pupils cannot be included in the enrolment return from the school. The roll-over of these short-term enrolments with other pupils does not qualify as valid enrolments. The school referred to by the Deputy applied for and received provisional sanction for one additional classroom post on developing school grounds. The projected enrolment was not met at 30th September 2013 and the school has been notified that the post will be suppressed with effect from 25th October 2013. The school has submitted an appeal to the Primary Staffing Appeals Board. 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.