Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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473. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when a reply will issue to a person (details supplied) following a letter to her Department dated 2 September 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28705/20]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has issued replies to representations made on behalf of the individual referred to by the Deputy.

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 30th September. The Department does not allocate classroom assistants as part of the staffing arrangements.

As part of the package of supports provided in the Roadmap for the Full Return to School, additional teachers are being provided to support the reopening of primary schools in order to provide enhanced substitution and eliminate the need to mix classes when a teacher is absent.

Supply panels were established nationwide, the purpose of which is to support schools to manage sick leave and other absences, by having a supply of teachers to cover short term substitute absences, when required.The school referred to by the Deputy is part of a Supply Panel in the Lifford area.