Gary Gannon
Ceist:467. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the teacher allocation will be brought forward for new primary schools due to open in September 2020 (details supplied). [14505/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 7 July 2020
Ceisteanna (467)
Freagraí scríofa
I am very conscious of the staffing schedule and the need to prioritise teacher allocations in primary schools given their vital role in communities around the country. I am looking at how best to make further progress in reducing the primary teacher ratio in the context of the Programme for Government implementation.
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. Details of the staffing arrangements are set out in Circular 18/2020, which is available on the Department website.
The staffing allocation of new schools is subject to the staffing schedule. Teaching posts may be applied for, on the basis of projected enrolments, through the developing post application process and/or the staffing appeals process.
The allocation of administrative principals to schools is enrolment based and the criteria are set out in Appendix B of Circular 18/2020.