Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 May 2012
263 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has had any correspondence with a school (details supplied) in County Mayo in relation to amalgamation; and the number of teachers available to the school in September 2012. [24874/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra264 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has had any correspondence with a school (details supplied) in County Mayo in relation to amalgamation; and if he will outline the number of teachers available to the school in September 2012. [24875/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 263 and 264 together.
I understand that the schools referred to by the Deputy have made enquiries with my Department regarding the amalgamation process.The criteria used for the allocation of teachers to schools is published annually on my Department's website. The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September. The staffing arrangements in schools for the 2012/2013 school year can also be affected by changes in their enrolment, the impact of budget measures and the reforms to the teacher allocation process.
As part of the Budget decisions announced, the number of pupils required to gain and retain a teaching post in small primary schools will be gradually increased between September 2012 and September 2014. The schools concerned are those with four or less classroom teachers.
The phasing of these measures can provide the schools concerned with time to consider the potential for amalgamation with other schools where this is feasible. If amalgamations take place, they will be voluntary and follow decisions taken by local communities and by the school patron and not by my Department.
This Government recognises that small schools are an important part of the social fabric of rural communities. They will continue to be a feature of our education landscape. However, this does not mean that small schools can stand still or never have their staffing levels changed to something that is more affordable and sustainable for these difficult and challenging times. The teachers in small schools cannot be immune from the requirement that is being asked of all public servants to deliver our public services on a reduced level of resources.
The final staffing position for all schools will ultimately not be known until the Autumn. At that stage the allocation process will be fully completed and all appeals to the Staffing Appeals Board will have been considered.
