Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 March 2025
233. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Education if she will investigate a case (details supplied) where the practice of determining teaching staff numbers based on the enrolment figures from the year before is resulting in this school facing huge class sizes in the autumn of this year, putting undue pressure on staff and pupils alike; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14780/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra234. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Education if she accepts the case made by the principal of a school (details supplied); when will her Department will make a determination on the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14781/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 233 and 234 together.
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.
The primary school staffing arrangements for the 2025/26 school year are set out in Circular 0011/2025. These arrangements contain an appeals mechanism for schools to submit a staffing appeal under certain criteria to an independent Primary Staffing Appeals Board.
The school referred to by the Deputy has submitted a staffing appeal which will be considered by the Primary Staffing Appeals Board and the school will be notified of the outcome of the appeal shortly.
The Primary Staffing Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
