Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 434: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will award a school (details supplied) in County Dublin increased concessionary hours in view of the fact that the amount previously awarded is insufficient; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the amount previously awarded will not allow the school to provide classes in art, French and physical education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21485/10]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 442: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will confirm receipt of an appeal for concessionary hours from a school (details supplied); when a decision will be made on this appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21567/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 434 and 442 together.

Teacher allocations to all second-level schools are approved annually by my Department in accordance with established rules based on recognised pupil enrolment. In accordance with these rules each school is required to organise its subject options within the limit of its approved teacher allocation. The deployment of teaching staff, the range of subjects offered and ultimately the quality of teaching and learning are in the first instance a matter for the Board of Management of the school.

In accordance with existing arrangements, where a school management authority is unable to meet its curricular commitments within its approved allocation, my Department considers applications for additional short term support i.e. curricular concessions. This concession is available as a short term support to enable essential curricular provision to continue. The allocation processes also include appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against their allocation of teachers. The school in question has availed of this appeals mechanism and will be notified of the outcome shortly. The Appeals Board operates independently of my Department.