Vol. 569 No. 3
274 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will intervene in the staffing problem at Belgrove school senior boys, Clontarf, Dublin 3; and if he will immediately act on the health and safety implications of not appointing the teacher. [17774/03]
The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous year. The number of mainstream posts is determined by reference to a staffing schedule which is finalised for a particular school year following discussions with the education partners. The staffing schedule is set out in a circular which issues from my Department to the board of management of each primary school. Accordingly, all boards are aware of the staffing position for their school in any school year. The staffing schedule for the coming school year, 2003-04, is outlined in my Department's circular 9/03, which issued to all primary schools in February 2003 and is also available on the Department's website.
The enrolment of the school referred to by the Deputy on 30 September 2002 was 324. An enrolment of 325 is required for the appointment of the 12th mainstream teacher and, as this enrolment figure was not reached, the appointment of the 12th mainstream class teacher is not warranted.
I established an independent appeals board to adjudicate on appeals from boards of management on the mainstream staffing allocations in primary schools. Appeals are considered in accordance with criteria laid down by the Minister for Education and Science from time to time. The current criteria are set out in my Department's circular 19/02. The appeals board operates independently of the Minister and the Department.
The staffing of the school in question for the 2003-04 school year was considered by the appeals board. The board, having considered the appeal, was satisfied that a departure from the staffing schedule is not warranted in this case. The board of management of the school was notified of the decision of the appeals board in April, 2003. The decision of the appeals board is final. I am sure you the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the operation of the independent appeals board.
275 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the guidelines which are given to schools with regard to the process and timeframe of appointing a replacement whereby a principal of a community school resigns; if such posts must be publicly advertised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17775/03]
The appointment of staff to vacant posts in community schools, including that of principal, is a matter for the board of management of the school subject to general guidelines and requirements as to qualifications, health certification, the school's staffing allocation and the procedures for the filling of posts. The Deed of Trust of community schools indicates that applications to fill a vacant post shall be sought by way of advertisement in the public press unless in a particular case the Minister decides, with the concurrence of the board, that because of special circumstances this procedure may be departed from.
