Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 June 2017
237. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the decision to refuse an extra teacher for a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30061/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe criteria used for the allocation of teaching posts is published annually on the Department 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 schedule operates in a clear and transparent manner and treats all similar types of schools equally irrespective of location.
The Staffing Schedule includes the provision where schools experiencing rapid increases in enrolment can apply for additional permanent mainstream posts on developing grounds. The staffing process includes an appeals mechanism for schools to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeals Board. This process includes a provision in which schools that are not gaining an additional teaching post under the developing schools criterion can submit an appeal to the independent Appeals Board. This appeal criterion is targeted at those schools that make a significant contribution to the provision of school places and so assist the response to demographic growth within their area.
The Schools Building Unit of my department uses a Geographical Information System (GIS) to identify where the pressure for school places will arise. The GIS uses data from the Central Statistics Office, Ordnance Survey Ireland and the Department of Social Protection, in addition to the Department’s own databases. With this information, the Department carries out nationwide demographic analyses at primary and post primary level to determine where additional school accommodation is needed.
The analysis of the school planning area, within which the school referred to is located, is not demonstrating a need for additional capacity. It is important that school size is monitored and that a balance is preserved among all schools in catchment areas to ensure that one school is not expanding at the expense of another school. My Department considers that there is sufficient capacity in the area to meet current demand. In that regard, an application for capital funding to providing additional mainstream classroom accommodation was not approved for the school in question.
