Written answers

Wednesday, 20 May 2020

Department of Education and Skills

School Staff

Photo of Jennifer WhitmoreJennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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401. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will reconsider the decision not to provide an extra sixth class teacher to a school (details supplied) in view of existing overcrowding issues, lack of space and the need for extra teacher supports under Covid-19 health and safety measures for when pupils return to school in September 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6948/20]

Photo of Joe McHughJoe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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The criteria used for the allocation of teaching posts is published annually 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 staffing schedule includes an appeals mechanism for schools to submit a staffing appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeals Board.

The school referred to by the Deputy initially submitted an appeal to the Primary Staffing Appeals Board which was deemed ineligible.  After that decision was issued, the school provided a new appeal due to a change in circumstances in the school.  The Primary Staffing Appeals Board has provisionally upheld the appeal, subject to September 2020 enrolments.  The school has been notified in this regard.

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