Written answers

Wednesday, 20 April 2016

Department of Education and Skills

School Staff

Photo of Joe CareyJoe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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405. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the additional criteria and exceptions her Department applies to the determination of qualification for teacher numbers in a national school when the basic pupil number figure is met; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7294/16]

Photo of Jan O'SullivanJan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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The criteria used for the allocation of teachers to primary schools is published annually. 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 2016/17 school year (Circular 0007/2016) is available on the Department website.

The staffing schedule operates in a clear and transparent manner and treats all similar types of schools equally. For the 2016/17 school year, the staffing schedule operates on the basis of a general average of 1 classroom teacher for every 27 pupils with lower thresholds for DEIS Band 1 schools.

The staffing schedule includes an appeals mechanism for schools to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeals Board. Details of the criteria for appeal are contained in the staffing schedule, Circular 0007/2016. The Primary Staffing Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.

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