Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 497: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when the independent appeals board on mainstream staffing in primary schools will determine appeals from three schools (details supplied); if the outcomes will be communicated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26513/05]

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 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 appeal board for mainstream staffing in primary schools adjudicates on applications from primary schools appealing their allocations of mainstream class teachers for a particular year. It is open to the board of management of a primary school to submit an appeal to the appeal board, which will consider the appeal in accordance with certain appeals criteria.

The staffing of the first school referred to by the Deputy was considered by the appeal board on 21 July 2005. The appeal board did not uphold the appeal, and the board of management was notified accordingly.

The boards of management of the second and third schools referred to by the Deputy have not submitted an appeal to date. The appeal board will next meet on 19 October 2005. The closing date for receipt of appeals is 7 October 2005. 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. The application form is available from primary payments section, Department of Education and Science, Athlone, or on my Department's website.

The appeals board operates independently of the Minister and my Department and its decision is final. The Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the operation of the independent appeal board.