Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

216. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to a DEIS band 1 school (details supplied) which is set to lose a teacher despite increased enrolment for the 2021-2022 academic year; the way in which she plans to address this matter in view of the educational, social and economic disadvantage in the area; if she will review the threshold; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17790/21]

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

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.

Budget 2021 provided for a one point improvement to the staffing schedule and introduced new retention levels for all schools. On the 1st March 2021, I announced a further package of measures to tackle educational disadvantage, which extended the one point improvement to all DEIS schools.

The staffing process contains an appeals mechanism for schools to submit a staffing appeal under certain criteria, to the Primary Staffing Appeals Board. The Primary Staffing Appeals Board operates independently of the Department.

The staffing schedule for the 2021/22 school year, including the appeals process, is available on the Department website.