Michael Ring
Ceist:445 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if a second teacher will be removed from a school (details supplied) in County Mayo. [18122/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 31 May 2005
Ceisteanna (429)
Freagraí scríofa
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 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 school referred to by the Deputy comprises a principal and one mainstream class teaching post. This is based on an enrolment of 13 pupils at 30 September 2003. The mainstream staffing of the school for the 2005-06 school year will consist of a principal teacher. This is based on an enrolment of ten pupils at 30 September 2004.
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.
The board of management of the school has submitted an appeal to the staffing appeals board. The appeal will be considered by the appeals board at a meeting which is scheduled to take place in mid-June. The board of management will be notified of the outcome of the appeal as soon as possible thereafter. 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.