David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The answer does not bring clarity. In fact, it raises more issues. In the Minister of State's response, he says that the criterion used for the allocation of teaching posts for the 2015-16 year set out in primary Circular 0005/2015, which I quoted, is that 20% of the total enrolment of the school is made up of pupils that require EAL support. It then goes on to say that while schools must have at least 20% EAL pupils to apply for a temporary post, not all schools with the percentage of EAL pupils will receive a temporary post. It goes on to say, in terms of the school I have mentioned, that having considered the circumstances outlined by the school and having regard to the high number of pupils requiring EAL support that the numbers were not achieved. What is the percentage then? It seems to be very subjective. It was very clear in the past - it was 20%. It now says that it has to be at least 20% but it depends on the high number. What is a high number? That is the challenge that these principals face.

To be fair, it is not clear from the circular that schools have been given, what criteria they must meet and it seems to be ad hocand made up to suit the number of posts that are there rather than the targets, which are about making sure that children get the best education they deserve. Will the Minister of State alert the Minister to this particular case and to the general issue of the circular and what that means for schools?