Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 April 2018
362. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a matter regarding a school (details supplied) will be reviewed to ensure that his Department allocates an additional teacher to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15447/18]
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 schedule operates in a clear and transparent manner and treats all similar types of schools equally irrespective of location.
Staffing arrangements for the 2018/19 school year are set out in circular 0010/2018 which is available on my Departments website.
The staffing schedule 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 0010/2018.
The school referred to by the Deputy submitted an appeal for consideration by the Appeals Board for the May 2018 meeting of the board under Criterion E – Small Schools. The school will be notified of the outcome of the appeal after this meeting takes place.
The Appeal Board operates independently of the Minister and the Department and its decision is final.
