Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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88. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a progress report on a shared appeal by schools (details supplied) in County Cork relating to a refusal for EAL support. [29439/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The criteria used for the allocation of teachers to schools is published annually on the Department's website. The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September. The staffing arrangements for the coming school year 2013/14 are set out in Circular 0013/2013 which is available on the website.

The staffing appeal process at primary level includes the provision whereby schools with a high concentration of pupils requiring English as an additional language (EAL) can apply for further additional temporary language support posts. The appeal criteria are set out in the staffing schedule, Circular 0013/2013.

The Primary Staffing Appeal Board is due to hold its next meeting on 20th June. The school referred to by the Deputy has submitted an appeal under the EAL criterion. The school will be notified of the decision of the Appeal Board as soon as possible after that date.

The Primary Staffing Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.