Written Answers. - School Staffing.
Seán Haughey
Ceist:
270
Mr. Haughey
asked the
Minister for Education and Science
the details of the independent appeals board for mainstream staffing in primary schools; the membership of this board; the location of its offices; if it can accept representations from Deputies; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[16559/03]
The staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on the 30 September of the previous school year. The number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule which is finalised for a particular school year following discussions with the education partners.
The appeals board on mainstream staffing allocations referred to by the Deputy was established in August 2002 and commenced operation at the start of the current school year. The purpose of the board is to allow for the independent consideration of appeals, under certain criteria, against the mainstream staffing schedule as issued to schools.
There are five members on the appeal board, Dr. Tom McCarthy, chairperson, Mr. Frank Davis, Ms Monica Healy, Ms Mairead McGowan and Mr. Seán Nolan. As the appeal board does not have separate offices, appeal applications are submitted to the board through the primary payments section of my Department. It is expected that the board will meet at least three times annually.
The appeals board will not accept applications directly from parents, individual teachers or other third parties. Applications must be made by the board of management of the school concerned. Representations to individual members of the appeals board by a board of management or a person acting on behalf of a board of management will not be allowed.
The appeals board operates independently of my Department and its decisions are final. It is not open to me or my Department to interfere in the operation of the board. Decisions of the appeal board are communicated to the board of management of the school which submits the appeal.
I issued an information booklet on the appeals board to all members of the Oireachtas in December 2002. I am arranging to have a further copy of the booklet forwarded to the Deputy.
