Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 285: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the effects of budget 2009 on a school (details supplied) in County Mayo, with particular reference to their teacher numbers, resource grant and rural co-ordinator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36811/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The specific information requested by the Deputy in relation to the detailed staffing allocation of the school in question for the academic year 2009/10 cannot be determined until the allocation process has fully concluded. There is nothing exceptional in this. The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. At primary level the final allocation to a school is also a function of the operation of the redeployment panels which provide for the retention of a teacher in an existing school if a new post is not available within the agreed terms of the scheme.

Schools are currently returning data to my Department in relation to their enrolment as of 30 September. My Department has commenced processing this data although all schools have not yet made their returns. The allocation processes including notification to schools will commence early in the New Year.

I appreciate that the abolition of a number of grants for some schools will impact on funding levels in 2009 but it is also the case that the enhanced levels of funding announced in the Budget for the capitation and ancillary services grants will help to alleviate the impact of this. Budget changes will take effect in 2009.

The school book grant has already been made to the school in question for the current school year. Funding for the equipment grant for the resource teacher and funding arising from the school's inclusion in previous disadvantage initiatives, as well as access to the services of a rural coordinator will proceed as normal in respect of the current school year.

The Education Budget for 2009 has provided for improvements to the overall level of funding for primary schools which will see funding increase from €167 million in 2008 to almost €190 million in 2009. The Government is committed to making further improvements as resources permit.