Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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77. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will investigate the safety issues in a school (details supplied) in County Kildare and if she will provide a positive resolution to the problems involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31786/14]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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The criteria used for the allocation of teachers to primary schools is published annually on the website of the Department of Education and Skills. 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. It currently operates on the basis of a general average of 1 classroom teacher for every 28 pupils, with lower thresholds for DEIS Band 1 schools. It includes the provision where schools experiencing rapid increases in enrolment can apply for additional permanent mainstream posts on developing grounds. In addition, a staffing appeals process is available to schools, including a new criterion for 2014/15 aimed at schools which make a significant contribution to absorbing demographic growth. The staffing arrangements, including detail of the appeals process, are set out in Circular 0007/2014 which is available on the Department website.

The school referred to by the Deputy submitted an application for consideration by the Primary Staffing Appeals Board at its June 2014 meeting. The Appeals Board determined that the appeal did not satisfy the published criteria as set out in Circular 0007/2014. The Appeal Board operates independently of the Minister and the Department and its decision is final.

Day to day running of a school is a matter for the Board of Management of each school. Schools are required to take all reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of pupils and to participate in supervising pupils when the pupils are on the school premises, during school time and/or on school activities.

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is the national statutory body with responsibility for ensuring that health and safety requirements are met by all employers, including schools. The Authority also provides information and advice to organisations to assist them in ensuring that their responsibilities in respect of health and safety in the workplace are met.

The Health and Safety Authority in conjunction with the Kilkenny Education Centre issued guidance to all primary schools in relation to managing safety, health and welfare. These guidelines were developed following consultation with relevant stakeholders. This guidance is published on the website of the Health and Safety Authority.