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School Staff

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2020

Tuesday, 14 July 2020

Ceisteanna (674, 676, 677, 678)

Jennifer Whitmore

Ceist:

674. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the criteria used by the appeals board to adjudicate on the allocation of teaching posts has been modified in light of Covid-19 and taking into account the increased requirements for social distancing when schools return; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15910/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Jennifer Whitmore

Ceist:

676. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education and Skills the factors considered when the appeals board made its decision regarding the need for an additional teacher at a school (details supplied); the reason the appeal by the school was denied; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that, as a result of the rejection of the appeal, class sizes in the school will be 27% above the national average of 26; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15920/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Jennifer Whitmore

Ceist:

677. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a copy of the appeal submitted by a school (details supplied) will be made available as a matter of public record; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15921/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Jennifer Whitmore

Ceist:

678. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education and Skills the consideration given by the appeals board to the current Covid-19 climate in the context of an appeal by a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15922/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 674 and 676 to 678, inclusive, 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 includes an appeals mechanism for schools to submit a staffing appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeals Board. The appeals criteria are set out in Circular 18/2020, "Staffing Arrangements for Primary Schools for the 2020/21 School Year". The appeal received from the school referred to by the Deputy has been refused by the Primary Staffing Appeals Board on the basis that the grounds of the appeal do not warrant a departure from the staffing schedule. The Primary Staffing Appeals Board is independent of the Department and its decision is final.

On 12 June, my Department published the report to Government “Planning for reopening schools in line with the Roadmap for reopening society and business” https://www.education.ie/en/The-Department/Announcements/framework-for-reopening-and-operating-schools.html.

The report sets out the clear ambition to develop a sustainable plan to fully reopen schools at the start of the next school year in late August/September in line with normal timeframes. The overriding objective of the plan is to protect the health of staff and students while promoting the educational and development needs of children.

The report also sets out in brief the contingencies that must be considered, during the coming period in the context of Covid-19. The Department is engaging with the education partners and other key stakeholders on working through these contingencies in detail and on the development of guidance and supports for the reopening of schools. This includes measures in relation to social distancing which will be informed by the development of guidance in relation to infection prevention and control in schools. This guidance will also provide a framework for individual schools to develop plans for the reopening of school in accordance with their own circumstances, the context and needs of their staff and students, and in compliance with public health guidelines. These contingencies and guidance will be worked through in detail in the coming weeks with education partners and stakeholders to ensure that the return to school is safe for children and staff.

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