Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Question 214: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his policy on schools with fewer than 86 pupils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11019/12]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Question 215: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his policy on schools with fewer than 50 pupils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11020/12]

Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Question 249: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills based on information provided by rural schools in County Offaly, namely, one, two, three and four teacher schools relating to existing and projected enrolment, if he will confirm that there will be no loss of staff at these schools in County Offaly, which could have an adverse affect of forcing the amalgamation and closures of rural schools. [11355/12]

Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 254: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans regarding a school (details supplied) in Dublin 14; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11439/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 214, 215, 249 and 254 together.

There is no increase in the staffing schedule general average of 28:1 for the allocation of classroom teachers at primary level. However, there is a phased increase in the pupil threshold for the allocation of classroom teachers in small primary schools. As part of the Budget decisions announced, the number of pupils required to gain and retain a teaching post in small primary schools will be gradually increased between September 2012 and September 2014. The schools concerned are those with four or less classroom teachers.

The phasing of these measures can provide the schools concerned with time to consider the potential for amalgamation with other schools where this is feasible. If amalgamations take place, they will be voluntary and follow decisions taken by local communities and not by my Department.

This Government recognises that small schools are an important part of the social fabric of rural communities. They will continue to be a feature of our education landscape. However, this does not mean that small schools can stand still or never have their staffing levels changed to something that is more affordable and sustainable for these difficult and challenging times. The teachers in small schools cannot be immune from the requirement that is being asked of all public servants to deliver our public services on a reduced level of resources.

My Department has expanded the existing appeals process so that it is accessible to the small schools that are losing a classroom post as a result of the budget measure. They won't lose their classroom post if any of them are projecting increased enrolments in September 2012 that would be sufficient to allow them to retain their existing classroom posts over the longer term. The detailed arrangements are set out in the Department's Staffing Circular that is now published on my Department's website. The closing date for submission of appeals for the April meeting of the Staffing Appeals Board is 23 March 2012.