Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputy Harkin for affording me the opportunity on behalf of the Minister for Education and Science to outline the position regarding Carramore national school, Swinford, County Mayo, concerning temporary accommodation and staffing at the school.

The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September in the previous year. The number of mainstream posts is determined by reference to a staffing schedule which is finalised for a particular school year following discussions between the Department and the education partners. The staffing schedule is set out in a circular which issues from the Department to all primary school boards of management. Accordingly, all boards are aware of the staffing position for their school in any particular school year. The schedule for the coming year issued in May 2005.

In the current school year the staffing of the school referred to by the Deputy comprises a principal and two mainstream class teaching posts. This is based on an enrolment of 50 pupils at 30 September 2003. The mainstream staffing of the school for the 2005-06 school year will consist of a principal and one mainstream class teaching post. This is based on an enrolment of 45 pupils at 30 September 2004.

To ensure transparency and openness in the system, an independent appeal board is now in place to decide on any appeals on mainstream staffing. The staffing of this school for the 2005-06 school year was considered by the appeal board on 14 June 2005. The board, having considered the appeal with regard to the criteria outlined in the Department circular 19/02, was satisfied that a departure from the staffing schedule was not warranted in this case.

The board of management of the school was notified in writing of the decision of the appeal board on 15 June 2005. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate it would not be appropriate for the Minister for Education and Science to intervene in the operations of the independent appeal board.

The school referred to by the Deputy has made a request to retain the temporary accommodation which is in use by the third teacher. The school planning section of my Department is considering the school's proposal and officials will be in contact with the board of management on the matter in due course. I thank the Deputy for raising this matter.

See this speech in context