The staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year and by reference to a staffing schedule. This staffing schedule is outlined in primary circular 15/05 which issued to all primary schools recently. This is in line with guidelines agreed between my Department and the education partners.
In the current school year, the staffing of the junior primary school referred to by the Deputy comprises of a principal and 17 mainstream class teaching posts. This is based on an enrolment of 480 pupils at 30 September 2003. The school also has a resource teaching post, a special class post and the services of a learning support post based in the school.
The mainstream staffing of the school for the 2005-06 school year will consist of a principal and 17 mainstream class teaching posts. This is based on an enrolment of 497 pupils at 30 September, 2004. In the current school year the staffing of the senior primary school in question comprises of a principal and 16 mainstream class teaching posts. This is based on an enrolment of 455 pupils at 30 September 2003. The school also has a resource teaching post, and a learning support post. The mainstream staffing of the school for the 2005-06 school year will consist of a principal and 16 mainstream class teaching posts. This is based on an enrolment of 454 pupils at 30 September 2004.
The schedule referred to can only be deviated from when a school experiences rapid growth in its enrolment. In the case of a school with an enrolment of 299 or more pupils, rapid growth is defined as an increase in its enrolment in one year relative to the previous year of 30 pupils plus a stipulated excess of ten pupils on the appointment figure. If the board of management of the school feels that the enrolment of the school will increase by this amount, it may apply for a post under the developing schools criteria as outlined in Department circular 15/05.
To ensure openness and transparency in the system an independent appeals board is now in place to decide on any appeals. The criteria under which an appeal can be made are set out in Department primary circular 19/02 which is also available on my Department's website. The appeals board will meet in June, July and October to consider appeals on the mainstream teaching allocation to schools for the 2005-06 school year. The closing dates for appeals are 3 June, 24 June and 7 October. Appeals must be submitted to primary payments section, Department of Education and Science, Athlone, on the standard application form, clearly stating the criterion under which the appeal is being made. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the operation of the independent appeals board.