School Staff

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2017

Tuesday, 7 November 2017

Ceisteanna (362, 375)

John Lahart

Ceist:

362. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address issues with regard to a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46305/17]

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

375. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a school (details supplied) has had its application for an additional teacher refused (details supplied); and if the decision not to provide the school with an additional teacher will be reconsidered. [46412/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 362 and 375 together. The 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 also includes an appeals mechanism for schools to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeals Board. Details of the criteria for appeal are contained in the staffing schedule, Circular 0017/2017.

Firhouse Educate Together National School submitted an application to the April and October meeting of the Appeals Board under three separate criteria, Accommodation, Class Size and Developing. The Appeals Board determined that these appeals did not warrant the allocation of additional posts for the 2017/18 school year on confirmation of pupil enrolments on the 30th September 2017.

The Staffing Schedule also includes the provision where schools experiencing rapid increases in enrolment can apply for additional permanent mainstream posts on developing grounds. The school referred to by the Deputy was successful in being granted one additional post on developing grounds for the 2017/18 school year based on confirmed enrolments. The school has been notified accordingly.

The Primary Staffing Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.