Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2021
473. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Education if an additional teaching post will be given to a school (details supplied) for the coming academic year given that the naíonáin mhóra cohort will otherwise be taught in classes with a pupil-teacher ratio of 31:1 in excess of the maximum target of 25:1 in 2021; if not, the reason; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25726/21]
View answerThe 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.
For the 2021/22 school year, an improvement of one point in the appointment threshold in primary schools has been introduced and schools will be provided with class teachers on the basis of 1 teacher for every 25 pupils which is a historical low ratio. In addition, a three point reduction in the retention scale has also been introduced for September 2021. These measures will help to ensure that less pupils are required to recruit or retain a teacher.
The configuration of classes and the deployment of classroom teachers are done at local school level. The Department's guidance to schools is that the number of pupils in any class is kept as low as possible taking all relevant contextual factors into account (e.g. classroom accommodation, fluctuating enrolment etc.).
The staffing process contains an appeals mechanism for schools to submit a staffing appeal under certain criteria to an independent Primary Staffing Appeals Board. The school referred to by the Deputy submitted a staffing appeal which was deemed ineligible by the Appeals Board as the grounds of the appeal did not meet the published appeals criteria. The school has been notified of this decision. The Primary Staffing Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
