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

256. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 268 of 7 September 2018, if a response to the appeal now lodged will be expedited in view of the circumstances (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43263/18]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The criteria used for the allocation of teaching posts for the 2018/2019 school year is set out in Circular 0010/2018, 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 30 September 2017.

The school referred to by the Deputy had an enrolment of 167 pupils on 30 September 2017, which allows for an allocation of 6 classroom teachers in the current school year. The school also has 2 Special Education teachers, one which is full-time and another that is shared with neighbouring schools.

The staffing arrangements include an appeals mechanism for schools to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeals Board.

The school referred to by the Deputy submitted an application for consideration at the October meeting of the Primary Staffing Appeals Board. The appeal was refused by the Appeals Board on the basis that the grounds of the appeal did not warrant the allocation of an additional post under Circular 0010/2018.

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