Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)

I will ask the Minister about the appeals mechanism he has just mentioned. I have read the circular that was posted on the Minister's website yesterday. I welcome the fact that the circular has brought some finality to this matter, at least, thereby ensuring that schools can start planning for next September. Can I ask the Minister about the existing appeals mechanism that applies to the staffing schedule? When a school makes an appeal, it has no chance of getting the decision overturned. Can I ask the Minister to ensure that the appeals mechanism to be put in place in respect of English language support teachers will be flexible and open and will take the concerns of the various schools on board? Between 40% and 50% of the children in certain schools in my constituency, like that of Deputy Quinn, do not come from English-speaking backgrounds. Such schools need a flexible appeals system.

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