Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2013
323. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the outcome of the appeal board hearing held on 22 October 2013 regarding his Department's plans to withdraw a teacher form a school (details supplied) in County Cork at the end of this month. [46470/13]
View answerThe criteria used for the allocation of teaching posts to schools 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 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 which is available on the Department website. Schools that meet the criteria may receive sanction for additional post(s) pending the confirmation of the valid enrolment on 30th September 2013.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 and submitted an appeal to the October meeting of the Primary Staffing Appeals Board. The Board refused the appeal on the basis that the grounds of the appeal did not meet with the criteria outlined in Circular 0013/2013. The Appeal Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
