School Staff

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024

Tuesday, 9 April 2024

Questions (457)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

457. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education why the key factor for determining the level of staffing resources for a school is based on enrolments on the previous 30 September 2024 given children can and do enrol in schools throughout the school year; and if this will be taken under review in light of the impact it is having on teaching allocations for schools that have currently surpassed their target figure for retaining a teacher but not before the date provided. [14277/24]

Written answers

Minister for Education

Teaching allocations are determined by the enrolment of the school on the previous 30th September. This process enables the Department to have in place the necessary measures to assess the accuracy of returns and thereby strengthen the integrity of the resource allocation process and the equitable treatment of schools, whilst ensuring that publicly funded resources are properly allocated.

The staffing arrangements include a provision whereby schools experiencing rapid increases in enrolment can apply for additional permanent mainstream posts, using projected enrolment.

The staffing process also contains an appeals mechanism for schools to submit a staffing appeal under certain criteria to an independent Primary Staffing Appeals Board.