School Staff

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 May 2020

Wednesday, 27 May 2020

Questions (156)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

156. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the case of a school (details supplied) that lost the placement of a mainstream teacher due to falling short in projected enrolment numbers for September 2020 by one pupil; if he will review this decision in view of the potential for further enrolment between now and September 2020, the very small margin upon which this decision was made and the denial of an appeal by the primary staffing appeals board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7268/20]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The 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.