Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 April 2018
347. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address a matter regarding teachers at a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15280/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra393. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a recent decision to refuse an appeal by a school (details supplied) regarding provision of an additional teacher for the 2018/2019 academic year will be reversed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15656/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 347 and 393 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 a staffing appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeals Board. Details of the appeal process and application form are available in Circular 0010/2018, "Staffing Arrangements in Primary Schools for the 2018/19 School Year", which is published on the Department website.
The school referred to by the Deputy submitted an application for consideration by the Appeals Board at its March meeting under Criterion A – "Exceptional Accommodation Difficulties". The Appeals Board considered the appeal and determined that it did not warrant the allocation of an additional post under Circular 0010/2018.
The school has been notified of the outcome of the appeal. The Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
