Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 439: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to an appeal by a school (details supplied) in County Offaly for an extra temporary post; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29821/04]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year. The actual number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule and is finalised for a particular year following discussions with the education partners.

The enrolment of the school referred to by the Deputy on 30 September 2003 was 75 pupils, which warrants a staffing of a principal and two mainstream class teachers for the 2004-05 school year. The school also has a resource teacher. To ensure transparency and openness in the system, an independent appeals board is now in place to decide on any appeals on mainstream staffing. The staffing of the school in question for the 2004-05 school year was considered by the appeals board on 21 October 2004. The board rejected the appeal, and the school was notified accordingly. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the operation of the independent appeals board.