Vol. 569 No. 3
263 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if he intends to allow St. Manchan's national school, Tubber, Moate, County Westmeath, retain its existing staff allocation in view of the fact that it has extra children registered to start school on 1 September 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17615/03]
The staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year. The number of mainstream posts is determined by reference to a staffing schedule which is finalised for a particular school year following discussions with the education partners. The enrolment of the school in question has decreased from 119 pupils on 30 September 2001 to 108 pupils on 30 September 2002. This later enrolment will entitle the school to a staffing of a principal and three mainstream class teachers for the 2003-04 school year. The school also has the services of a resource teacher.
An independent appeals board was established to adjudicate on appeals from boards of management on mainstream staffing teacher allocations in primary schools. The appeals board operates independently of the Minister and the Department and its decision is final. A circular outlining these new procedures issued to all primary schools. The staffing of the school referred to by the Deputy for the 2003-04 school year was considered by the appeals board on 9 April 2003. I understand that the board of management of the school was notified of the decision of the appeals board on 10 April 2003.
