Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 620: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her views on the outcome of an appeal in the case of a school (details supplied) in County Mayo regarding teacher-pupil balance and the approval of a temporary extra classroom teacher; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6687/06]

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 the 30 September of the previous school year. The actual number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule which is issued annually to all primary schools.

The staffing of the school referred to by the Deputy for the 2005-06 school year was considered by the appeals board on 19 October 2005. The board, having considered the appeal with regard to the criteria outlined in Department circular 19/02, was satisfied that a departure from the staffing schedule is not warranted in this case. The board of management of the school was notified in writing of the decision of the appeals board on 24 October 2005. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the operations of the independent appeals board.

According to data submitted to my Department by the board of management, the enrolment in the school on 30 September 2005 was 118 pupils. The staffing for the 2006-2007 school year will be determined on the basis of this figure and in accordance with the revised staffing schedule, which my Department will be issuing to schools in the near future.