Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 708: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the outrage and concern expressed by persons (details supplied) in County Galway concerning the suppression of a third mainstream teaching post in the school; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that within the current school year the number has increased to 52 pupils; that the long-term projections show increased pupil numbers up to June 2010; if the third teacher will be appointed within nine months; that the school is participating in the Giving Children an Even Break programme for the disadvantaged; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19247/05]

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 and by reference to a staffing schedule. This staffing schedule is outlined in primary circular 15/05 which issued to all primary schools recently. This is in line with guidelines agreed between my Department and the education partners. In the current school year the staffing of the school referred to by the Deputy comprises of a principal and two mainstream class teaching posts. This is based on an enrolment of 55 pupils at 30 September 2003. The school also has the services of a learning support post based in the school and the services of a resource post.

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 49 pupils at 30 September 2004.

To ensure openness and transparency in the system an independent appeals board is now in place to decide on appeals. The criteria under which an appeal can be made are set out in Department primary circular 19/02.

The board of management of the school has submitted an appeal to the staffing appeals board. The appeal will be considered by the appeals board at a meeting which is scheduled to take place on 14 June. The board of management will be notified of the outcome of the appeal as soon as possible thereafter.

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.