Written answers
Wednesday, 12 November 2014
Department of Education and Skills
Pupil-Teacher Ratio
Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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151. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a school (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43369/14]
Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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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 schedule operates in a clear and transparent manner and treats all similar types of schools equally irrespective of location. It currently operates on the basis of a general average of 1 classroom teacher for every 28 pupils with lower thresholds for DEIS Band 1 schools. The school referred to by the Deputy had an enrolment on 30 September 2012 of 396. This fell to 387 on 30 September 2013 which results in a reduction of 1 classroom teacher (from 15 to 14) for the 2014/15 school year.
The staffing arrangements at primary level include the provision where schools experiencing rapid increases in enrolment can apply for additional permanent mainstream posts on developing grounds. In addition, an appeals process is available to schools to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeals Board.
The Department did not receive a developing schools application or a staffing appeal from the school referred to by the Deputy.
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