Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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249. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of a primary school which is due to lose a teacher in September 2016 due to changes in the pupil-teacher ratio leaving the school one pupil short, given that the loss of the teacher will result in an extra large class with a number of pupils needing learning support; if the school can appeal this decision, given an expected increase in pupil numbers in 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43309/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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The criteria used for the allocation of teachers to primary 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 2015/16 school year are set out in Circular 0005/2015 which is on the Department's website. The staffing process includes an appeals mechanism for schools to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Primary Staffing Appeals Board. Details of the appeal criteria are set out in the published staffing arrangements.

The Deputy will be aware that I have announced a one point improvement to the primary staffing schedule in the context of Budget 2016. The improved staffing schedule which is also available on the Department website will be implemented for the 2016/17 school year. The staffing arrangements for all schools for the 2016/17 school year will be published early in 2016.