Written Answers Nos. 110-129
110. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will request his Department to engage with the National Unity Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar on issues regarding the military junta’s crimes and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33054/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra112. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether as a member of the United Nations Security Council, Ireland must not ignore the continuous human rights abuses being carried out daily by the military junta in Myanmar; if he will ensure that the ongoing crisis in Myanmar is brought before the United Nations Security Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33056/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 110 and 112 together.
Ireland remains gravely concerned at the deteriorating security, human rights and humanitarian situation in Myanmar and recognises the need for a unified international response to ensure an end to the crisis. Ireland is actively engaged on Myanmar in our role as an elected member of the Security Council, including by calling on the military and all parties for an urgent end to violence, full respect for human rights and compliance with international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law. At a private meeting of the United Nations Security Council on 27 May, the 9th such meeting since the crisis began, Ireland reiterated our grave concern at the situation, particularly violence against civilians and the ongoing brutality of the Tatmadaw. Ireland will continue to call for regular discussions at the Security Council on Myanmar. We also support the role of regional partners including ASEAN, ASEAN’s Special Envoy and the Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary General, and we urge the prompt implementation of ASEAN’s five-point consensus
Ireland’s practice is to recognise states and not governments. We do not therefore recognise specific governments in Myanmar or elsewhere.
Reflecting our core values, Ireland is committed to promoting a fair, just and more secure world. In contexts of conflict, we underline the importance of inclusion and engagement of key stakeholders in negotiating acceptable and sustainable solutions. Ireland acknowledges the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) and the National Unity Government (NUG) as important stakeholders in Myanmar’s future, and encourages their involvement in discussions and negotiations to resolve the current crisis. Ireland has engaged with the NUG at official level from Ireland, through our Embassies in Bangkok and London, and via the Permanent Mission of Ireland to the United Nations in New York.
Ireland stands with the people of Myanmar and will continue to work actively within the European Union, the United Nations, including through membership of the United Nations Security Council to support the people of Myanmar. We reiterate that the democratic will of the people must be respected and call for the immediate restoration of legitimate, civilian government.
111. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will take actions to stop the executions of four political prisoners (details supplied) who are prominent activists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33055/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is unequivocal in its stance against the death penalty and the abolition of capital punishment is one of Ireland’s international priorities. I am gravely concerned by the passing of death sentences on a number of those arrested for peaceful protest and support for democracy in Myanmar. I understand that 114 people have been sentenced to death, primarily by military courts, without the possibility of appeal. On 13 June, Ireland addressed this issue at a meeting of the United Nations General Assembly with the UN Secretary General's Special Envoy for Myanmar, expressing our abhorrence at this action, and reiterating our call for the immediate release of all political prisoners and all those arbitrarily detained in Myanmar. The EU also spoke at that session, calling on the Myanmar de facto authorities to apply the moratorium on executions observed since 1988. In particular, the EU called on the de facto Myanmar authorities not to carry out the death sentences announced last week, to which the Deputy is referring. At a private meeting of the United Nations Security Council on 27 May, Ireland reiterated our grave concern at the deteriorating security, human rights and humanitarian situation in Myanmar, particularly violence against civilians and the ongoing brutality of the Tatmadaw.
As I have outlined in my previous statements on this matter, the election results of November 2020 and the sustained, large-scale popular opposition to the coup since 1 February demonstrate that the military have no mandate to govern Myanmar. The people of Myanmar have been resolute in rejecting the military coup. General Min Aung Hlaing’s self-appointment as Prime Minister is a clear attempt to normalise his position and does not reflect the democratic will of the people of Myanmar. Ireland has had no engagement or bilateral meeting with the Myanmar military.
We will continue to work with our partners in the EU, in the region, and in the context of our United Nations Security Council membership to find a diplomatic solution to the crisis, to consider further actions to restore the democratic path in Myanmar, and to protect the people of Myanmar.
113. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of passport applications that were made monthly between 1 January 2018 and 31 May 2022, inclusive; the number of passport applications in each of those months that were considered not completed by the applicant; and the number of passport applicants who experienced a delay for another reason for those same months; and the number of those that were first-time applications; and the number that were renewals. [33178/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is not possible for the Passport Service to provide the historical figures requested for the number of passport applications that were incomplete or experienced delays as this is only a temporary status for the application until such time as the application is complete.
The other information requested by the Deputy is outlined below in tabular form.
Applications received by month 1 January 2018 - 31 May 2022
|
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
|
January |
82,137 |
104,315 |
102,276 |
31,279 |
135,811 |
|
First time applications |
15,362 |
21,154 |
22,447 |
7,350 |
28,361 |
|
Renewal applications |
66,775 |
83,161 |
79,829 |
23,929 |
107,450 |
|
February |
80,414 |
99,738 |
90,510 |
25,822 |
154,930 |
|
First time applications |
16,864 |
27,923 |
22,610 |
4,790 |
33,163 |
|
Renewal applications |
63,550 |
71,815 |
67,900 |
21,032 |
121,767 |
|
March |
90,255 |
112,882 |
53,002 |
38,478 |
124,843 |
|
First time applications |
18,804 |
30,527 |
15,663 |
6,096 |
28,848 |
|
Renewal applications |
71,451 |
82,355 |
37,339 |
32,382 |
95,995 |
|
April |
109,751 |
103,436 |
13,825 |
46,177 |
129,410 |
|
First time applications |
23,159 |
25,696 |
1,420 |
7,370 |
27,489 |
|
Renewal applications |
86,592 |
77,740 |
12,405 |
38,807 |
101,921 |
|
May |
103,454 |
103,088 |
16,395 |
84,635 |
140,695 |
|
First time applications |
21,499 |
22,305 |
2,324 |
13,899 |
30,060 |
|
Renewal applications |
81,955 |
80,783 |
14,071 |
70,736 |
110,635 |
|
June |
83,725 |
86,526 |
42,485 |
80,890 |
|
|
First time applications |
18,005 |
18,332 |
8,148 |
15,614 |
|
|
Renewal applications |
65,720 |
68,194 |
34,337 |
65,276 |
|
|
July |
68,321 |
78,472 |
39,263 |
85,877 |
|
|
First time applications |
16,171 |
18,044 |
9,154 |
16,095 |
|
|
Renewal applications |
52,150 |
60,428 |
30,109 |
69,782 |
|
|
August |
57,449 |
63,249 |
32,179 |
97,957 |
|
|
First time applications |
14,660 |
15,773 |
7,707 |
16,455 |
|
|
Renewal applications |
42,789 |
47,476 |
24,472 |
81,502 |
|
|
September |
50,567 |
58,732 |
32,998 |
86,188 |
|
|
First time applications |
13,215 |
15,870 |
8,059 |
15,069 |
|
|
Renewal applications |
37,352 |
42,862 |
24,939 |
71,119 |
|
|
October |
51,367 |
55,339 |
27,429 |
80,901 |
|
|
First time applications |
14,075 |
16,710 |
6,760 |
15,030 |
|
|
Renewal applications |
37,292 |
38,629 |
20,669 |
65,871 |
|
|
November |
47,580 |
49,805 |
20,398 |
70,084 |
|
|
First time applications |
13,896 |
13,986 |
4,145 |
14,030 |
|
|
Renewal applications |
33,684 |
35,819 |
16,253 |
56,054 |
|
|
December |
38,177 |
40,676 |
29,181 |
44,484 |
|
|
First time applications |
10,070 |
11,190 |
10,426 |
9,962 |
|
|
Renewal applications |
28,107 |
29,486 |
18,755 |
34,522 |
115. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application (details supplied) given that it has exceeded the target issue date and applicants travel date is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33220/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith regard to the specific applications about which the Deputies have enquired, the Passport Service has provided an update on the status of the passport application to the applicant.
118. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of passports which have been printed per county to date in 2022, in tabular form; the number of applications that remain to be approved; the position regarding staff being employed in the Passport Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33234/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Service is already outperforming any previous year, despite the challenges that it has encountered over the past two years.
The Passport Service continues to outperform its previous busiest year, 2019, by over 20%. Over 623,000 passports have been issued to date in 2022. This is 105,000 more passports than were issued at this point of the year in 2019. In the past four weeks, the Passport Service has issued an average of 30,000 passports per week.
99% of all child and adult online renewal applications are issued within the standard turnaround time and almost half of all adults who renew their passports online will receive their new passport in the post within 2 working days.
Processing time for first time applications now takes 25 working days, down from 40 working days in March. In the space of three months, processing time for first-time applications has been reduced by almost 40%.
My Department has been proactively planning for this significant increase in demand for many months and have made an unprecedented investment in the staffing and resources necessary to meet this demand.
A major recruitment drive, in partnership with the Public Appointments Service, has been underway since 2021. In addition, the Passport Service has run its own recruitment competition for Temporary Clerical Officers (TCOs). The Department has also been working with the HSE to provide opportunities to contact tracing staff to transfer to the Passport Service. As of 20 June, these staff have begun to be assigned to the Customer Service Hub, which will further increase the number of staff answering customer queries. This recruitment effort will bring staffing numbers at the Passport Service to over 900 which represents double the number of staff with the Passport Service in June of last year.
Intensive training of new staff and upskilling of existing staff has been underway for several months to increase the resources that can process complex applications, such as first time child applications.
Over the past number of weeks the Passport Service has worked with An Garda Síochána to develop a system for verifying Garda witnesses on passport applications in cases where the Garda signature cannot be verified. This new system assists in reducing the number of applications that are delayed due to a failure to verify witness details.
I am satisfied overall that Passport Service operations are meeting the current needs of passport applicants and that recent service improvements are allowing the Passport Service to provide this essential citizen service in an efficient and effective manner.
The information requested by the Deputy is outlined below in tabular form, for online applications. It is not possible for the Passport Service to provide the requested figures in respect of paper-based applications. This table also breaks down the number of applications currently in the system that are being processed by the Passport Service, and the number that are awaiting further action by the applicant.
|
County |
No. of passports issued to date in 2022 |
No. of applications currently in the system |
Passport Service processing |
Awaiting further action from the applicant |
|
Antrim |
15,398 |
7,424 |
4,489 |
2,935 |
|
Armagh |
4,557 |
1,915 |
1,215 |
700 |
|
Carlow |
5,515 |
1,069 |
689 |
380 |
|
Cavan |
6,323 |
1,284 |
809 |
475 |
|
Clare |
10,511 |
1,973 |
1,263 |
710 |
|
Cork |
53,279 |
8,434 |
5,629 |
2,805 |
|
Derry |
8,206 |
3,122 |
1,986 |
1,136 |
|
Donegal |
13,797 |
2,596 |
1,649 |
947 |
|
Down |
12,138 |
5,222 |
3,190 |
2,032 |
|
Dublin |
123,624 |
20,715 |
13,824 |
6,891 |
|
Fermanagh |
1,877 |
634 |
392 |
242 |
|
Galway |
23,663 |
4,318 |
2,821 |
1,497 |
|
Kerry |
12,260 |
2,340 |
1,502 |
838 |
|
Kildare |
23,684 |
3,930 |
2,581 |
1,349 |
|
Kilkenny |
8,688 |
1,506 |
981 |
525 |
|
Laois |
7,090 |
1,399 |
888 |
511 |
|
Leitrim |
2,757 |
560 |
365 |
195 |
|
Limerick |
17,547 |
3,050 |
1,968 |
1,082 |
|
Longford |
3,200 |
680 |
440 |
240 |
|
Louth |
13,005 |
2,386 |
1,512 |
874 |
|
Mayo |
11,948 |
2,167 |
1,407 |
760 |
|
Meath |
21,356 |
3,574 |
2,329 |
1,245 |
|
Monaghan |
5,203 |
1,081 |
694 |
387 |
|
Offaly |
6,571 |
1,226 |
799 |
427 |
|
Roscommon |
5,375 |
959 |
623 |
336 |
|
Sligo |
6,114 |
1,140 |
782 |
358 |
|
Tipperary |
13,821 |
2,512 |
1,619 |
893 |
|
Tyrone |
5,986 |
2,352 |
1,484 |
868 |
|
Waterford |
11,261 |
1,852 |
1,203 |
649 |
|
Westmeath |
8,107 |
1,452 |
898 |
554 |
|
Wexford |
13,353 |
2,444 |
1,522 |
922 |
|
Wicklow |
14,908 |
2,425 |
1,587 |
838 |
121. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Citizens Assembly will examine the topic of neutrality and NATO membership; if so, the timeframe in which this will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33245/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn recent months, it has become increasingly clear that we are living in a new era in Europe, in which Ireland faces significant new security and defence challenges. In this context, we will need to have a mature debate about our broader approach to security and defence issues in Ireland, including opportunities for cooperation and collaboration at EU level.
The Taoiseach has indicated that the issues involved could potentially be discussed through a Citizens' Assembly or a similar framework. A specific timeframe has not been considered, but the Taoiseach has noted that this could happen during the lifetime of the current Government. For now, the Government's focus remains on tackling the impact of Russia's war on Ukraine, in particular in terms of assisting the Ukrainian people and holding Russia's leadership to account.
More broadly, Ireland’s policy of military neutrality remains an important strand of our foreign policy and is coherent with our active approach to peace support operations, crisis management, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding. The government has no plans to alter this policy or to apply for NATO membership.
We do however recognise the importance of enhanced cooperation between the EU and NATO, particularly where it benefits international peace and security and is focussed on avoiding duplication of structures, systems and interoperability standards, and where it adds clear value in areas such as efforts to combat cyber or hybrid threats.
122. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 905 of 21 April 2021, the intended future use of the land by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32898/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe situation as set out in reply to Parliamentary Question No. 905 of 21 April 2021 remains unchanged.
The firing range at Cushla, County Roscommon is administered by the Department of Defence on behalf of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, in whom the land is vested. While the Cushla Rifle Range is not currently in use and there are no immediate plans to reactivate this range, the Department of Defence currently has no plans to dispose of the land. Ordinarily, surplus property is disposed of by way of public auction.
123. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education if a series of concerns in relation to a school (details supplied) will be addressed. [32851/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that the school referred to has been approved for a project under my Department's Additional Accommodation Scheme 2020. This project has been devolved for delivery to Cork Educational Training Board and will provide for the following accommodation at the school; A Two Classroom SEN base, Seven General Classrooms, Two Science Labs with One Prep area, One Home Economics room, One Technology room with One Prep area and ancillary accommodation.
I can advise the Deputy that a Stage 1 Report has been submitted to my Department and is currently being reviewed by my officials. This review is nearing completion and correspondence will issue to the ETB regarding the outcome of the review in due course.
124. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education the policy of her Department in relation to the flying of rainbow flags at State funded schools in support and solidarity with the LGBTQ community and as part of wider community participation in the pride month of June 2022. [32852/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the provisions of the Education Act, 1998 the Board of Management is responsible for the day to day running of a school. While schools have the autonomy to participate and support initiatives such as this, I would support and encourage all schools to implement measures that support the full inclusion of all students in all schools including LGBTI+ students and to put in place measures that foster positive learning environments for every student to reach their full potential.
This Government is fully committed to creating safe, supportive and inclusive environments in every school and college for all students, including LGBTI+ students.
My Department is supporting implementation of the national LGBTI Youth Strategy 2018-2020 which includes a range of actions for the education sector addressing the curriculum, professional development, school buildings and development of prevention initiatives for LGBTI+ identity-based bullying in schools.
These actions aim to ensure the full participation by the LGBTI+ community in education, free from inequality, bullying or exclusion. Implementation has the potential to significantly tackle the inequality faced by LGBTI+ children and young people within a clear policy framework. Focusing on inclusion in the classroom, the Strategy includes actions targeting education, relating to curriculum and the wellbeing of school personnel including LGBTI+ personnel.
125. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 147 of 15 June 2022, when a response will issue containing the information requested (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32993/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra133. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education if she will examine a matter (details supplied) in relation to substitute teaching; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33232/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 125 and 133 together.
The core function of the redeployment arrangements is to facilitate the redeployment of all surplus permanent teachers to other schools that have vacancies. Thereafter, schools are required under the panel arrangements to fill permanent vacancies from supplementary panels comprised of eligible fixed-term (temporary/substitute) and part-time teachers.
The criteria, reviewed annually with the Education Partners, are published on the Department website. Circular 57/2021 sets out the arrangements for the Supplementary Panel for the 2022/23 school year.
While school buildings were closed at intervals during the COVID-19 pandemic, schools continued to provide remote learning and substitution for approved leave was permitted.
126. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to attempts to downsize the school bus service for a route and a school (details supplied); if this decision will be revised; and if her attention has been drawn to the fact that such a decision is in breach of commitments made to pupils, parents, and the school. [33024/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €289m in 2021.
The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
Under the terms of the School Transport Schemes children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kms from and are attending their nearest national school as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who complete the application process on time (apply on time and pay on time) are accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation
Children who are not eligible but who apply for school transport are considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Bus Éireann, who operates the school transport scheme on behalf of the Department, review all school transport services over the summer months. Arising from this review, routes may be altered, extended or withdrawn depending on the number and location of eligible children who will be availing of school transport for the following school year.
Bus Éireann has advised that they have reviewed the service mentioned by the Deputy and there are currently no plans to reduce the existing service.
127. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education the number of schools which currently accommodate an afterschool care service on their property; the supports which her Department provide to schools willing to accommodate such services and the extra expenses which they might generate; and the probable areas of proposed changes in the guidelines which she is planning to promote more community use of school facilities [33037/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe policy of my Department is to support the use of school premises and facilities for community, recreational and education-related purposes. This includes the use of school facilities for after-school care. Any decision to make school facilities available lies with the relevant Trustees/ Property owners having regard to the requirements of the school, staff and students.
The information requested by the Deputy concerning the number of schools which currently accommodate an after school care service on their property is not readily available. Schools in general work closely with the communities in which they operate. Efforts to enhance the use of school facilities (including after schools services) should build on the linkages that exist between schools and their communities.
In respect of funding provided to schools by my Department, this is in relation to education provision at primary and post-primary level. For funding for uses outside of school hours, schools may access where available funding from other government departments, local authorities or from their own resources.
My Department plans to undertake a review of the Guidelines mentioned by the Deputy in Quarter 3 of 2022. As part of this review process my Department will consult with relevant stakeholders, including representatives of schools and other government departments which engage with the community and voluntary sectors. The information provided from these engagements will further inform any additional measures that can be introduced either by my Department or in conjunction with other Department to assist school in making their facilities available outside of school hours.
128. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education the analysis that her Department has carried out on the impact of the recent change to the rules regarding the career break scheme for teachers as per circular 0038/2022, dated 8 June 2022 (details supplied); the number of teachers who were granted career breaks for the 2022/2023 academic year prior to the rule change; her plans to allow for a grace period of one academic year for the introduction of the rule change; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33046/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe terms and conditions of the Career Break Scheme for teachers are contained in my Department’s Circular Letter 54/2019 (Chapter 7). A Career Break is a period of unpaid special leave for not less than 1 school year. It may be extended on an annual basis provided the total period of the Career Break does not exceed 5 years at any one time, subject to an overall maximum of 10 years absence during a teacher’s career.
Under the Career Break Scheme, a teacher may not be employed in an approved teaching or special needs assistant post funded by monies provided by the Oireachtas. However, in exceptional circumstances, an employer may appoint a qualified teacher on Career Break for substitute teaching purposes subject to a maximum of (a) 90 days in a school year at primary level and (b) 300 hours in a school year at post primary level.
The aforementioned substitute teaching restrictions were suspended in the 2021/22 school year and previous school years in response to issues raised in relation to teacher supply. Information Note TC 0015/2021 titled ’Temporary changes to the Career Break Scheme for Registered Teachers employed in Recognised Primary and Post Primary Schools-2021/22 School Year’ published in June 2021, informed employers and teachers of the temporary change to the Career Break Scheme for the 2021/22 school year. As stated in the Information Note, this is a temporary change and will cease at the end of the 2021/2022 school year.
My Department’s Circular Letter 0038/2022 titled ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19): Updated Working Arrangements for Teachers and Special Needs Assistants employed in recognised Primary and Post Primary schools’ paragraph 6.1.1 (b) states the normal terms and conditions of the Career Break Scheme will apply for the 2022/23 school year as follows:
(b) Career Break Scheme for teachers
The temporary arrangement to the Career Break Scheme under Information Note TC 0015/2021, permitting a teacher on Career Break to carry out unlimited substitute work, will cease at the end of the 2021/22 school year. Therefore, the normal terms and conditions of the Career Break Scheme (paragraph 8) under Circular 54/2019 will apply for the 2022/23 school year where limited substitute work is permitted.
The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform determines the terms and conditions of the Career Break Scheme for public servants, which includes teachers.
Under Section 24 of the Education Act 1998, the Minister for Education, with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, is authorised to determine the terms and conditions of employment for teachers employed in approved teaching posts funded by monies provided by the Oireachtas. The Teachers Conciliation Council (TCC) forms part of the Scheme of Conciliation and Arbitration for Teachers, the purpose of which is to provide a forum for claims and proposals relating to the salary, and other terms & conditions of service for teachers. The Council is comprised of representatives from the Teacher Unions, the School Management Bodies, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, and the Department of Education. The TCC is independently chaired by an official of the Workplace Relations Commission. The terms and conditions of teachers employed in State funded teaching posts are formulated at TCC and are of general application to all teachers appointed to such posts. The Career Break Scheme exists by virtue of a collective agreement, concluded under the auspices of the TCC.
My Department will keep the position under review in the 2022/23 school year, having regard to the recruitment of substitute teachers.
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the number of teachers granted Career Break for the 2022/23 school year is currently not available in my Department.
129. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Education if she will approve the retention of a sixth classroom teacher for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33105/22]
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.
For the 2022/23 school year, the staffing schedule for primary schools has been improved by one point and schools will be provided with class teachers on the basis of 1 teacher for every 24 pupils which is a historical low ratio, with lower thresholds applying to DEIS Urban Band 1 schools.
The staffing process contains an appeals mechanism for schools to submit a staffing appeal under certain criteria to an independent Primary Staffing Appeals Board. Details of the appeal process are available in Circular 25/2022.
The school referred to by the Deputy has been informed that its staffing appeal has been successful, pending confirmation of the school's enrolment on 30th September.
