School Staff

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020

Tuesday, 23 June 2020

Questions (220)

Michael Lowry

Question:

220. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will issue a derogation to a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary that is due to lose its fourth teacher due to the fact it is just below the required pupil-teacher ratio number to retain same; if he will take into account the fact that this school will require additional staff when it reopens to comply with proposed Covid-19 social distancing guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12307/20]

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. Details of the staffing appeal process are set out in Circular 18/2020, available on the Department website.