Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 May 2026
329. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the way in which her Department can assist Donegal ETB with the serious staffing challenges that they face and have conveyed to her Department. [36504/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe arrangements in relation to the allocation of teaching posts, and to the allocation of special needs assistants to all schools, including ETB schools, are set down in various circulars issued by my Department. In relation to such posts, schools and ETBs have autonomy in relation to the recruitment and replacement of staff within the agreed approved staffing allocation granted to the school in question and subject to relevant procedures and criteria set out in circulars from my Department.
My Department also provides each ETB with an administrative and maintenance staffing allocation and associated pay budget to support its individual ETB schools and head office. It is the responsibility of each ETB to recruit and manage staffing levels within this allocation, including the assignment of such staff to the different functional areas in the ETB in accordance with the needs and priorities of the organisation. In line with the position across the public sector generally, every ETB must also operate within overall approved staffing and pay budgets for its administrative and maintenance staff.
I can confirm over recent years that my Department has, as resources permitted, granted a additional administrative and maintenance posts to the ETB sector including to the ETB concerned.
My Department remains committed to supporting ETBs and will continue to work closely with individual ETBs, and with the sector collectively to ensure they are adequately resourced to deliver their important work.
