Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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261. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will detail the contacts she has had with a school (details supplied) regarding the allocation of additional mainstream teacher(s); if she will provide an update and give assurance in relation to the staffing levels at this school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14389/23]

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.

For the 2023/24 school year, the staffing schedule for primary schools has been improved by one point and schools will be provided with class teachers on the basis of 1 teacher for every 23 pupils which is a historical low ratio.

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 Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.

The appeal submitted by the school referred to by the Deputy was refused on the basis that the grounds of the appeal does not warrant the allocation of an additional post under Circular 0006/2023. The school has been notified of this decision.