Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 June 2026
839. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether consideration is being given to reducing class sizes in rural schools in Longford and Westmeath experiencing increased enrolment pressures. [42301/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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, regardless of location.
Within the staffing arrangements, there are options available to schools to apply for additional staffing. Schools experiencing rapid increases in enrolment can apply for additional permanent mainstream posts, using projected enrolment. There is also a staffing appeals mechanism for schools to apply to an independent Primary Staffing Appeals Board, under certain published criteria, including one aimed specifically at small schools.
Priority was given in recent Budgets to reducing the pupil teacher ratios in primary schools which has brought the teacher allocation ratio to the most favourable ratio ever seen at primary level. In 2015, teachers were allocated to primary schools at a general average of 28 pupils for every one teacher. This has improved to the current ratio of 23:1, with lower thresholds in place for DEIS Urban Band 1 schools. In the same 10 year period, average class sizes in primary schools have improved from 24.9 to 22.2 and the pupil : teacher ratio shows the ratio of pupils to teachers improve from 16:1 to 12.8:1. In addition to the reductions in the teacher allocation ratio, a three-point reduction in the retention schedule, which was introduced in 2021, assists schools that would otherwise be at risk of losing teaching posts. Further progress on this matter will be considered as part of the annual budgetary process.
