School Staff

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 October 2021

Tuesday, 19 October 2021

Ceisteanna (605)

Gary Gannon

Ceist:

605. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education her views on her Department’s strict adherence to the school-teacher ratio which has led to the suppressing of the developing school post of a school (details supplied) and in turn has led to the loss of a teacher and the forced amalgamation of senior and junior infants from two classrooms under two teachers, to one classroom with 31 students in the same room in view of the continuing risk of transmission of Covid-19 amongst young children and the Government's continued support for the policy of social distancing. [51304/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

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 30th September.

The staffing arrangements also include a provision whereby schools experiencing rapid increases in enrolment can apply for additional permanent mainstream posts on developing grounds, using projected enrolment.

The school referred to by the Deputy was allocated a temporary teaching post on this basis. The school's enrolment did not reach the enrolment required to maintain the post for the remainder of the year.  The school submitted an appeal to the October meeting of the Primary Staffing Appeals Board which has been refused.  The Primary Staffing Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.