Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 July 2014
307. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will not cut the teaching staff at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31395/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe criteria used for the allocation of teachers to primary schools is published annually on the website of the Department of Education and Skills. 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 for the 2014/15 school year (Circular 0007/2014) are available on the Department website.The staffing schedule operates in a clear and transparent manner and treats all similar types of schools equally irrespective of location. It currently operates on the basis of a general average of one classroom teacher for every 28 pupils, with lower thresholds for DEIS Band 1 schools. The school referred to by the Deputy had an enrolment on 30 September 2012 of 396. This fell to 387 on 30 September 2013 which results in a reduction of 1 classroom teacher for the 2014/15 school year. Should the school have a significant increase in enrolment for the 2014/15 school year, the staffing schedule allows for schools to apply for additional teaching post(s) on developing grounds. Details are available in Circular 0007/2014.
