Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 June 2014
39. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will meet a delegation from a school (details supplied) regarding their appeal for an extra teacher from September 2014 based on their intake of pupils which will result in a total of 91 pupils; if he will expedite the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24024/14]
View answerThe criteria used for the allocation of teachers to primary schools is published annually. 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 2014/15 school year are set out in Circular 0007/2014 which is available on the Department website. The staffing schedule includes the provision whereby schools experiencing rapid increases in enrolment can apply for additional permanent mainstream posts on developing grounds, using projected enrolment for September 2014. The school referred to by the Deputy would need to be projecting an enrolment of 93 pupils to meet this criterion. In addition, the staffing process includes an appeals mechanism for schools to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeals Board. The Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final. It would not therefore be appropriate for me to meet with the school with regard to an appeal.
The next meeting of the Appeal Board will take place on Tuesday 10 June, 2014. I understand that the school has not submitted an appeal to the Primary Staffing Appeals Board to date.
