Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 May 2014
251. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a status update on a staff appeal application in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick to maintain their third teaching post for the next school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21176/14]
View answerThe criteria used for the allocation of teachers to schools is published annually on the Department's 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 arrangements for the coming school year 2014/15 are set out in Circular 0007/2014 which is available on the website.The staffing arrangements include an appeals mechanism for schools to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeals Board. Section 4 of Circular 0007/2014 provides details for schools wishing to make an appeal.
The Primary Staffing Appeals Board meets three times per year. The first meeting was held in February, 2014. The next meeting is due to take place on Tuesday, 10 June, 2014. The school referred to by the Deputy has submitted an appeal under the small school appeal criterion to the June meeting of the Appeals Board and will be notified of the outcome of the appeal following that meeting.
The Primary Staffing Appeals Board operates independently of the Minister and the Department and its decision is final.
