Vol. 554 No. 5
509 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans for St. Feichin's National School, Cross, County Mayo; if an extra teacher will be employed in the interests of health and safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15368/02]
612 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a school (details supplied) in County Mayo is being refused a third teacher, resulting in 29 pupils being taught in a classroom which measures five meters by five meters; if his Department will investigate this matter; and if he will appoint a third teacher to this school. [16323/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 509 and 612 together.
I recently established an independent appeals board to adjudicate on appeals from boards of management on mainstream staffing teacher allocations in primary schools. The appeals board will operate independently of the Minister and the Department and its decision will be final. A circular outlining these new procedures has recently been issued to all primary schools.
The staffing of the school referred to by the Deputies for the 2002-03 school year was considered recently by the appeals board.
I understand that the board of management of the school was notified of the decision of the appeals board on 20 September 2002.
