Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 316: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if a response will be furnished to correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39819/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I confirm that I have received the correspondence referred to by the Deputy and a formal reply will issue very shortly.

The Deputy may wish to note that 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 a primary circular which issues to all primary schools on an annual basis.

In the current school year, 2005-06, the staffing of the school referred to by the Deputy comprises of a principal and one mainstream class teaching post. This is based on an enrolment of 49 pupils at 30 September 2004. The school also has the services of a learning support-resource teacher post based in the school.

The mainstream staffing appeal board was established to adjudicate on appeals from boards of management on mainstream staffing teacher allocations in primary schools. The appeal board operates independently of the Minister and the Department and its decision is final. A circular outlining these procedures issued to all primary schools.

The staffing of the school referred to by the Deputy for the 2005-06 school year was considered by the appeal board on 14 June 2005 and the board of management of the school was notified in writing of the decision of the appeal board on 16 June, 2005. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the operations of the independent appeal board.

The staffing of the school for the 2006-07 school year will be determined in accordance with the staffing schedule which is being drawn up by officials in my Department and which will be issued to school authorities early in 2006.