Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 155: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if the 12th classroom teaching post at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 9 will not be discontinued and if the sixth classes will not have 35 pupils each due to this cut and the school given the maximum support. [20459/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on the 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 12 mainstream class teaching posts. This is based on an enrolment of 328 pupils on 30 September 2003. The school also has a learning support post and the services of a shared resource post based in the school.

The mainstream staffing of the school for the 2005 to 2006 school year will consist of a principal and 11 mainstream class teaching posts. This is based on an enrolment of 311 pupils at 30 September 2004.

The staffing schedule is structured to ensure that all primary schools will operate to an average mainstream class size of 29 pupils. Where some classes in a school have class sizes of greater than 29, it is generally because a decision has been taken at local level to use their teaching resources to have smaller numbers in other classes. School authorities should ensure that there is an equitable distribution of pupils in mainstream classes and that the differential between the largest and the smallest classes is kept to a minimum.

To ensure openness and transparency in the system an independent appeals board is now in place to decide on any 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 under developing school criteria. As outlined in the relevant application form, this appeal will be considered by the appeals board at its meeting in October 2005. The board of management will be notified of the outcome of the appeal as soon as possible thereafter.

The Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the operation of the independent appeals board.