Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 February 2014
255. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an English as an additional language post for a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7733/14]
View answer295. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if an English as an additional language post will be retained by a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8333/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 255 and 295 together.
The criteria used for the allocation of teaching posts for the 14/15 school year is set out in Primary Circular 0007/2014 which is available on the Department 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 process also includes an appeals mechanism for schools to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeals Board.
The appeals criteria include the provision whereby schools with a high concentration of pupils requiring English as an additional language (EAL) can apply for additional temporary language support posts. These EAL allocations are made on the basis of appeals by schools to the Primary Staffing Appeals Board, using projected enrolment for the following September.
The school referred to by the Deputy has submitted an appeal on EAL grounds to the Primary Staffing Appeals Board. The Appeals Board will meet later this month and the school will be notified of the Board's decision in due course.
The Appeal Board operates independently of the Minister and the Department and its decision is final.
