Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 March 2022
104. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education the reason that a school (details supplied) has had an infant class teaching post removed despite having a classroom available and a large waiting list of children hoping to attend; and if she will take steps to ensure this is corrected. [15395/22]
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 30th September.
The staffing arrangements also include a provision whereby schools experiencing rapid increases in enrolment can apply for additional permanent mainstream posts on developing grounds, using projected enrolment.
The school referred to by the Deputy was allocated an additional temporary teaching post on this basis for September and October 2021. The enrolment required to retain the post for the remainder of the year was 263 pupils. The school's actual enrolment in September was 246 and so the school was informed that the post was to be suppressed at the end of October.
The school submitted an appeal to the October meeting of the Primary Staffing Appeals Board. This appeal was deemed ineligible by the Appeals Board as the school's enrolment did not meet the appointment figure for the 14th classroom teacher. The Primary Staffing Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
Staffing arrangements for the 2022/23 school year will be published shortly and schools will be able to establish their staffing for the coming school year.
