Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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94. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the way in which a school (details supplied) can appeal against the loss of an extra teacher in view of the fact that at the time it was assessed it did not have sufficient numbers but now has enough pupils to warrant the extra teacher; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40844/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The criteria used for the allocation of teachers to primary schools is published annually on the website of the Department of Education and Skills. 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.

Staffing arrangements for the 2017/18 school year are set out in circular 0017/2017 which is available on my Departments website.

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 0017/2017.

The Primary Staffing Appeals Board meets three times per year. The third and final meeting for the 2017/18 school year will take place in October, 2017. The closing date for receipt of applications to this meeting is Wednesday, 11 October.

The Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is

final.