Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 July 2014
194. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of small schools nationwide affected by the increased enrolment thresholds for two, three and four-teacher schools; the financial benefit resulting from these changes; the maximum pupil-teacher ratio for small schools; if he will offer to reverse the decision to raise these thresholds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28534/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have made clear on a number of occasions that the final phase of the Budget 2012 measure in relation to small schools will not be suspended. All public servants are being asked to do more with less and the teachers in small schools cannot be exempt from this requirement. The Budget 2012 measure puts the staffing arrangements for small schools on a more sustainable and affordable basis. The relevant pupil thresholds for all schools, including small schools, are published in the Staffing Schedule which is available on the Department's website.
My Department has expanded the existing appeals process so that it is accessible to the small schools that are affected by the budget measure. In this regard small schools will not lose their classroom post if they are projecting sustainable increased enrolments in September 2014 that would be sufficient to allow them to retain their existing classroom posts over the longer term.
30 small schools were due to lose a classroom post in September 2014 as a result of the final phase of the budget measure. 2 of these schools are closing, 1 is amalgamating and following the appeals process the number is now reduced to 12 schools. Additionally, there are 48 small schools with a reduction in enrolments which means they are due to lose a teacher in September, 2014. These losses would not have occurred if the pre-budget 2012 enrolment thresholds still applied. Following the appeals process this figure of 48 is reduced to 27 schools losing a post. There are also 6 primary schools that were due to not gain a classroom post for the 2014/15 school year as a consequence of the implementation of the final phase of the Budget 2012 measure. Following the appeals process, this figure is now reduced to 2 schools.
The final position in relation to staffing will be known in the Autumn when 30 September 2014 actual enrolments are confirmed. The level of savings that are expected to arise for the 2014/15 school year as a result of the Budget 2012 measure will be clearer in the Autumn but at this stage are expected to be in excess of €3 million.
