Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 June 2014
82. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an appeal against the reduction of teacher numbers at a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27626/14]
View answerThe 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 appeal criteria are published in Circular 0007/2014.The school referred to by the Deputy submitted an appeal under Criterion E - Small Schools to the June, 2014 meeting of the Primary Staffing Appeals Board. The appeal was refused by the Appeals Board on the basis that the grounds of the appeal did not warrant the allocation of an additional post under Circular 0007/2014. The school was notified accordingly.
The Primary Staffing Appeals Board operates independently of the Minister and the Department and its decision is final.
