Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 412: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the staffing appeals process at primary level; the number of appeals that have been lodged for the school year 2007-08 which have been successful, withdrawn, failed and rejected; the amount the appeals office costs on a yearly basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44699/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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It is open to the Board of Management to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeal Board which was established to adjudicate on appeals on mainstream staffing allocations in primary schools. Details of the criteria and application dates for appeal are contained in the staffing schedule which issues annually to all Boards of Management and is also made available on my Department's website. The criteria are also available in Circular 0024/2007 (Appeal Board for Mainstream Staffing in Primary Schools) which is also on my Department's website. The Appeal Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.

There were a total of 74 appeals considered by the Primary Staffing Appeal Board in relation to the 2007/2008 school year. 16 of the appeals were upheld.

There are five members of the Appeal Board. Three meetings are held annually, generally in May, July and October. The annual cost of the Appeal Board is approximately €2,500. Administrative support to the Board is provided by Department staff.