Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 June 2005
266 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation regarding the reported loss of a computer room teacher at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 9; if the special fund-raising by the parents for this facility did not bring a promise that its staffing was exempt from the normal quota calculation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21449/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on the 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 in April 2005. This is in line with guidelines agreed between my Department and the education partners. The assignment of teachers to classes is a matter for the principal of the school with the agreement of the board of management.
In the current school year, the staffing of the school referred to by the Deputy comprises of a principal and 15 mainstream class teaching posts. This is based on an enrolment of 412 pupils at 30 September 2003. The school also has a learning support post and a resource teaching post. The staffing of the school for the 2005-06 school year will consist of a principal and 14 mainstream class teaching posts. This is based on an enrolment of 401 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 which is also available on my Department's website. The appeals board will meet in July and October to consider appeals on the mainstream teaching allocation to schools for the 2005-06 school year.
The closing dates for appeals for the July and October meetings are 24 June and 7 October respectively. Appeals must be submitted to the 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.
