Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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294. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will retain the developing school post at a school (details supplied) in which the risk of losing a teacher will result in classroom overcrowding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49607/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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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. Primary schools are currently provided with class teachers on the basis of one teacher for every 25 pupils which is at its historically lowest level. In addition, there has been a three point reduction in the retention schedule, which will assist schools that would otherwise be at risk of losing teaching posts.

The staffing arrangements at primary level include a provision whereby schools experiencing rapid increases in enrolment can apply for additional permanent mainstream posts on developing grounds. The school referred to by the Deputy has been allocated such a post on a temporary basis pending confirmation of enrolments on 30th September. The Department is currently processing enrolment returns from schools.

The staffing process contains an appeals mechanism for schools to submit a staffing appeal under certain criteria to an independent Primary Staffing Appeals Board. The Primary Staffing Appeals Board will meet shortly to consider staffing appeals from schools in respect of the 2021/22 school year. Information on the appeals process is available in Circular 0019/2021.