Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 May 2020
117. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills if an additional teacher will be appointed at a school (details supplied) to improve the pupil-teacher ratio at the school; and the status of the application for additional accommodation, including a purpose built special class at the school. [7104/20]
View answerThe criteria used for the allocation of teaching posts is published annually 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 previous 30 September.
The staffing schedule operates in a clear and transparent manner and treats all similar types of schools equally irrespective of location. The staffing schedule includes an appeals mechanism for schools to submit a staffing appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeals Board.
The school referred to by the Deputy submitted an appeal to the Primary Staffing Appeals Board The Appeals Board has deemed the appeal ineligible under the criteria set out in Circular 18/2020 and the school has been notified of this decision.
The Primary Staffing Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
I can confirm that my Department is in receipt of an application for additional school accommodation for the school referred to by the Deputy. Once the application has been assessed, the school authority will be contacted directly with a decision.
