Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 February 2023
334. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Education if a primary school (details supplied) can appoint a 15th class teacher given that it had the required number of pupils on 30 January 2023; if she is aware that this school intends to open an autism unit in September 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6709/23]
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.
For the 2023/24 school year, the staffing schedule for primary schools has been improved by one point and schools will be provided with class teachers on the basis of 1 teacher for every 23 pupils which is a historical low ratio. Lower thresholds apply to DEIS Urban Band 1 schools.
The staffing process contains an appeals mechanism for schools to submit a staffing appeal under certain criteria, to an independent Primary Staffing Appeals Board. Information and application forms are available in Circular 0006/2023, published on the Department website.
