Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 559: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the schools in Kilkenny city and county that received developing status over the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35405/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Data as requested by the Deputy is set out in the table in respect of the school years 2006/07, 2007/08 and 2008/09.

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

However, within the terms of the staffing arrangements for primary schools there is provision for additional posts, referred to as developing school posts, to be assigned to schools on the basis of projected enrolments for the next school year. Under these arrangements, a developing school post may be sanctioned provisionally where the projected enrolment at 30th September of the school year in question equals or exceeds a specified figure. If the specified figure is not achieved on 30th September, sanction for the post is withdrawn.

An independent appeal board is now in place to decide on any appeals on mainstream staffing, including developing school post, in primary schools. Details of the appeal procedure are outlined in the staffing schedule and also in Circular 0024/2007 (Appeal Board for Mainstream Staffing in Primary Schools) which is available on my Department's website.

The first meeting of the Appeal board was held in May 2008. A further meeting will be held on 28th October.

The Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 560: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will reinstate the special needs assistant hours of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare. [35423/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. I have arranged for the details supplied to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.

All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 561: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the regularity with which an exception has been made to the regulations under circular 15/05 in regard to employing only teachers with recognised qualifications in primary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35426/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Under the terms of the Education Act, 1998, the Board of Management of a primary school is responsible for the recruitment, selection and appointment of all teachers to a school. Appointments are notified to my Department by the Board of Management. My Department has no role in the selection and appointment process. There are currently 518 unqualified teachers in primary schools.

Boards of Management are obliged to recruit and employ fully qualified primary teachers for any vacancy in a school, regardless of the duration of the vacancy. Information regarding recognised qualifications can be obtained from the Primary Administration Section of my Department.