Vol. 570 No. 4
182 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if he intends to continue to withdraw the fourth teacher from Scoil Náisiúnta Cheann Trá, Ceann Trá, despite the fact that the numbers on the roll are rising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19383/03]
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. This is in accordance with guidelines agreed between my Department and the education partners. An independent appeals board was established to adjudicate on appeals from boards of management on mainstream staffing 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 and the board of management of the school was notified of the decision of the appeals board in April. I am sure you the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the operation of the independent appeals board.
