School Staffing

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 March 2014

Tuesday, 11 March 2014

Questions (176)

Brendan Smith

Question:

176. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if further consideration will be given to the detailed submission made in respect of the need to retain the current staffing complement at a school (details supplied); if he will ensure all of the issues outlined in the submission from the parents' association on the school's staffing needs and likely future enrolment will be taken into account with regard to the need to retain four teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12149/14]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The criteria used for the allocation of teaching posts for the 2014/2015 school year is set out in the Staffing Schedule (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 30 September 2013. The staffing schedule also includes an appeals mechanism for schools to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeals Board. The school referred to by the Deputy submitted an application for consideration at the February meeting of the Primary Staffing Appeals Board. The Appeals Board determined that the appeal did not satisfy all of the published criteria as set out in Circular 0007/2014. The school has been notified accordingly. The Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.