Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 489: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if it is intended to sanction the appointment of an additional teacher to a school (details supplied) in County Donegal. [30993/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The staffing of a primary school for a particular school year is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on the 30th September of the previous school year and by reference to a staffing schedule. This staffing schedule for the 2006/07 school year is outlined in Primary Circular 0023/2006 which was issued to all primary schools. Based on an enrolment of 5 pupils on the 30th September 2005, as submitted by the Board of Management, the staffing for the 2006/2007 school year will be a Principal.

To ensure openness and transparency in the system an independent Appeal Board is now in place to decide on any staffing appeals. The criteria under which an appeal can be made are set out in Department Primary Circular 0024/2006. The staffing of the school for the 2006/2007 school year was considered by the Appeal Board on 25th May, 2006. The Board, having considered the appeal with regard to the criteria outlined in 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 Appeal Board on 26th May, 2006.