Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 March 2023
197. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Education the reason the teacher allocation for a school (details supplied) did not account for the fact that it had a higher ratio than the teacher-pupil ratio of one classroom teacher to every 23 pupils; if schools which have a higher ratio are required to go through the appeals process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15991/23]
View answerFor 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 a general average of 1 teacher for every 23 pupils, which is a historical low ratio.
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 enrolment thresholds for the appointment of classroom teachers for the 2023/24 school year are set out in Appendix A of Circular 0006/2023, available on the Department website.
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 Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final. Information on the appeals process and application forms are available in Circular 0006/2023.
