Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 March 2015
794. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an update on a school (details supplied) in County Kerry in respect of the possible loss of two teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11666/15]
View answerThe staffing arrangements for primary schools for the 2015/16 school year are set out in Department Circular 0005/2015 which is available on my Department's website at www.education.gov.ie.
The circular sets out the improvements to the staffing schedule for the 2015/16 school year for small schools. These improvements are improved retention thresholds for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th classroom teacher and also the improved appointment and retention thresholds for isolated one-teacher schools.
An appeals process is also available to small schools. Details of the appeals criteria are set out in the published staffing arrangements. The school referred to by the Deputy submitted an appeal to the March, 2015 meeting of the Primary Staffing Appeals Board. The Appeals Board held its first meeting for 2015 last week. Arrangements are underway in my Department to notify those schools that have submitted an appeal of the decision of the Board.
The Primary Staffing Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
