Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 491: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the potential staffing crisis in a primary school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the reason for allowing such a crisis develop in view of the projected enrolment figures in 2005-06; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3817/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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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 mainstream staffing of the school referred to by the Deputy for the current school year is a principal and three mainstream class teacher posts based on the enrolment of 85 pupils on 30 September, 2003.

According to data submitted to my Department by the board of management, the enrolment on 30 September 2004 was 75 pupils. The staffing for the 2005-06 school year will be determined on the basis of this figure and in accordance with the agreed staffing schedule which is expected to be notified to boards of management in February-March 2005.

As outlined in primary Circular 19/02, an independent appeals board was established to adjudicate on appeals from boards of management on mainstream staffing allocations in primary schools. The appeals board operates independently of the Minister and my Department and its decision is final. Appeals must be submitted to primary payments section, Department of Education and Science, Athlone, on the standard application form, clearly stating the criterion under which the appeal is being made.

I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it is not appropriate for me to intervene in the operation of the independent appeals board.