Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 76: To ask the Minister for Education and Science his views on reversing the decision to halve the numbers of teachers at a school (details supplied) in County Donegal from two to one in view of the fact that one teacher would not be able to teach eight classes at the same time, nor would they be able to assume the responsibilities of teaching children with special needs and that this school is in a unique situation given that it is an island gaelscoil in a disadvantaged area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12266/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The key factor for determining the level of mainstream teacher resources provided by my Department to primary schools for the 2008/10 school year is the pupil enrolment at 30 September 2008.

There were 11 pupils in the school referred to by the Deputy on 30 September, 2008 which under the appointment and retention procedures entitles the school to one Principal teacher. The school had 16 pupils on 30 September, 2007.

The staffing schedule for the 2009/2010 school year, Primary Circular 0002/2009, has been published on my Department's website at www.education.ie. The schedule is a transparent and clear way of ensuring that schools are treated consistently and fairly and know where they stand. If I were to change the staffing schedule to allow the schools that are due to lose a teacher to retain that teaching post I would be treating them differently from other schools with the exact same number on the rolls and I do not propose to do so. The system should not create anomalies or operate on the basis that one or more schools should be treated differently to others.

The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedule. The final allocation to a school is also a function of the operation of the redeployment panels. Details of the criteria and application dates for appeal are contained in the staffing schedule, Circular 0002/2009, available on my Department's website. The Appeal Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.