Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 September 2015
1247. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will review the loss of a teacher at a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; if she will take cognisance of a petition (details supplied) which outlines the current dilemma; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31170/15]
View answerThe criteria used for the allocation of teachers to schools are 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 process includes an appeals mechanism for schools to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Primary Staffing Appeals Board. Circular 0005/2015 provides details for schools wishing to make an appeal. The final meeting of the Appeals Board to consider staffing appeals for the 2015/16 school year will take place in October, 2015. The Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
The school referred to by the Deputy had an enrolment of 78 pupils on 30 September 2014 and under the published staffing arrangements is entitled to 3 classroom teachers in the current school year.
