Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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137. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the teacher numbers can be reviewed to take into account changes in numbers of pupils attending a school (details supplied) since the commencement of the 2016 to 2017 school year; if these numbers are maintained the number of teachers the school will have for 2017 to 2018 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18462/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The criteria used for the allocation of teaching posts for the 2017/2018 school year is set out in the Staffing Schedule (Circular 0017/2017) which is available on the Department 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 schedule operates in a clear and transparent manner and treats all similar types of schools equally irrespective of location.

The school referred to by the Deputy had an enrolment of 51 on 30 September 2016. This allows for a mainstream staffing of 2 teachers – Principal and 1 classroom teacher - for the 2017/18 school year.

The staffing schedule also includes an appeals mechanism for schools to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeals Board.

An application for consideration by the Appeals Board for an additional classroom teaching post under Criterion E – Small Schools appeals has been received for submission to the April meeting of the Primary Staffing Appeals Board. 

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