John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

455. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the concessionary amalgamation post sanctioned for a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be approved for retention beyond September 2014, similar to the sanction given in the case of a school in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43837/14]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Under the current amalgamation arrangements there is a provision for the allocation of a concessionary mainstream teaching post in cases where the approved number of mainstream teachers serving in the schools at the time the amalgamation takes place exceeds the number of mainstream posts warranted by the total enrolment on the basis of the staffing schedule. The continued allocation of the concessionary post is dependent on the teachers concerned remaining on the staff of the school and the appropriate enrolment figures being maintained.

The school referred to by the Deputy was allocated a concessionary mainstream teaching post upon amalgamation in 2007. The post was allocated on the basis of the school operating on a split site and the school was informed that the post would remain in place until the school moved to a new building, on one site. This happened at the start of the current 2014/15 school year and the concessionary post was withdrawn.

The staffing arrangements for the 2014/15 school year (Circular 0007/2014) were published on 24 January, 2014. 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 also include the provision whereby schools experiencing rapid increases in enrolment can apply for additional permanent mainstream posts on developing grounds, using projected enrolment for September 2014.

The staffing process also includes an appeals mechanism for schools to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeals Board, including developing school grounds. The Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final. The school referred to has been approved for a developing school post for the 14/15 school year as a result of this appeals process.