Written answers
Tuesday, 9 June 2020
Department of Education and Skills
School Staff
Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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114. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to manage teacher absences through certified illness and leave when schools reopen with regard to the already significant layers of social distancing management and other additional responsibilities if the Covid-19 disease is still spreading; if a plan has been put in place for substitute teachers to be assigned to schools in such cases that is additional to the systems already in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9724/20]
Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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The general principles to apply to the management of COVID-19 includes the safety and welfare of employees and the minimisation of the impact of COVID-19 on teaching and learning.
On the 1stMay 2020, the Taoiseach announced as part of the "Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business" that schools will commence opening on a phased basis at the beginning of the 2020/2021 academic year.
Because of the diversity of Institutions providing education, the opening of such Institutions needs to be carefully managed and planning has already commenced in my Department. This process includes consultation with stakeholders, takes into account the experience of other countries and the ongoing public health advice. The staffing of schools will be considered as part of this process.
Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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116. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address a matter regarding schools (details supplied) losing a teacher in September 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9753/20]
Joe 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 schools referred to have not submitted a staffing appeal to date. The Primary Staffing Appeals Board will next consider appeals in June. The closing date for the receipt of staffing appeals is 15th June.
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