Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Question 53: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the decision to remove two permanent teachers at a school (details supplied). [31834/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The standardisation of the staffing schedule for Gaelscoileanna so that it is the same as that which applies to primary schools generally was one of a number of measures introduced in Budget 2011 to control and reduce teacher numbers. While mainstream staffing for any school year is based on the previous September's enrolment, there is a provision whereby schools experiencing rapid increases in enrolment can apply for additional mainstream posts on developing grounds, using projected enrolment. The retention of such posts in the current school year is subject to schools having achieved their projected enrolment on 30 September. If the enrolment is not achieved the post allocated on developing grounds is suppressed. The school referred to by the Deputy was allocated two additional mainstream posts on developing grounds. However, the projected increased enrolment was not achieved and the posts were suppressed accordingly.

The staffing schedule also includes an appeals mechanism for schools to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeal Board. Details of the criteria for appeal are contained in the staffing schedule, Circular 0019/2011. The school referred to by the Deputy has submitted an appeal to the Primary Staffing Appeal Board. The Board of Management of the school will be notified of the outcome of this appeal shortly. The Appeal Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.