John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

513. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the appointment of a fifth senior infants teacher in a school (details supplied) will be supported for the 2020-2021 academic year in view of the fact that class sizes here are higher than the EU and OECD average; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21598/20]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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.

There is no change to the staffing of the school referred to by the Deputy in the current school year.

The staffing schedule includes an appeals mechanism for schools to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeals Board. Details of the staffing appeals process are available in Circular 18/2020. The next meeting of the Primary Staffing Appeals Board will be held in October and schools will be notified shortly of the closing date for receipt of applications.