Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 26 Nov 2002

Vol. 558 No. 1

Written Answers. - School Staffing.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

277 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the withdrawal of a permanent teaching post in the Cratloe national school, County Clare (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23432/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

The staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September the previous school year. The actual number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule and is finalised for a particular year following discussions with the education partners.

The enrolment of Cratloe national school was 225 pupils on 30 September 2001. This enrolment entitles the school to a staffing of a principal and eight mainstream class teachers for the 2002-03 school year. The board of management of Cratloe national school sought an additional mainstream class teacher under the developing school criteria as outlined in Department circular 9/02. As the enrolment on the 30 September 2002 did not meet the developing school criteria the teaching post was withdrawn.

The board of management of Cratloe national school submitted an appeal to the independent appeals board. The board, having considered the appeal with regard to the criteria outlined in Department Circular 19/02, was satisfied that a departure from the staffing schedule is not warranted in this case. The board of management of the school was notified of the decision of the appeals board. The Deputy will appreciate that it is not appropriate for me to intervene in the operation of the independent appeals board.