Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 June 2019
294. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he is taking to address the unique grounds for the retention of a third mainstream teacher, further to previous correspondence with regard to teaching posts at a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24273/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
The Small Schools appeal criterion allows ordinary schools with 4 teachers or less to appeal on the basis of projected enrolment for the coming September. In the case of the school referred to by the Deputy, a projected enrolment of 51 for September 2019 is required to fulfill the appeal criteria. The school referred to by the Deputy submitted an appeal to the March meeting of the Primary Staffing Appeals Board but as the school projects an enrolment less than 51, the appeal was deemed ineligible.
The Primary Staffing Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
