Ned O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 505: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her views on appointing an additional teacher to a primary school (details supplied) in County Cork where pupil numbers will increase by 13 in September 2006. [24501/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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. This circular (0023/2006) issued to all schools in March 2006.

Under the staffing arrangements for primary schools, there is provision for the allocation of an additional post to a school where the school experiences rapid growth in its enrolment. In such cases, an additional post, referred to as a developing school post, may be sanctioned provisionally where the projected enrolment at 30 September of the school year in question equals or exceeds a specified figure. If the specified figure is not achieved on 30 September, sanction for the post is withdrawn.

The enrolment in the school referred to by the Deputy on 30 September 2005 was 111 pupils, which warrants a staffing of Principal plus 3 mainstream posts for the 2006/2007 school year.

To ensure transparency and openness in the system an independent Appeal Board is now in place to decide on any mainstream staffing appeals.

The staffing of the school referred to by the Deputy for the 2006/2007 school year was considered by the Primary Staffing Appeal Board at its meeting on the 25th May 2006. The Board, having considered the appeal with regard to the criteria outlined in Department Circular 0024/2006, 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 the 26 May 2006. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the operations of the Independent Appeal Board.