Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2026
536. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of primary schools that have lost mainstream teaching posts for 2026-2027, by county, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45971/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra538. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the mainstream teaching posts at primary school level for 2024-2025, 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, by county, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45973/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra539. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth if it is confirmed that overall, 498 classes will be lost at primary school level for 2026-2027; the number of these that are due to ‘split classes’; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45974/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 536, 538 and 539 together.
Priority was given in recent Budgets to reducing the pupil teacher ratios in primary schools which has brought the teacher allocation ratio to an average of 1 classroom teacher for every 23 pupils in all primary schools, the most favourable ratio ever seen at primary level. Teacher allocations for DEIS Urban Band 1 schools have also been improved and now stand at an average of 17:1, 21:1 and 19:1 for junior, senior and vertical schools respectively.
The primary school staffing arrangements for the 2026/27 school year are set out in Circular 0025/2026. The allocation process for the 2026/27 school year is currently underway and will not be finalised until the Autumn, when the staffing appeal and projected enrolment processes have been completed.
The configuration of classes and the deployment of classroom teachers are done at local school level. The Department's guidance to schools is that the number of pupils in any class is kept as low as possible taking all relevant contextual factors into account (e.g. classroom accommodation, fluctuating enrolment etc.).
The Statistics Section of my Department's website contains extensive data in relation to our schools, including information on pupil teacher ratio and the number of classes in each individual school. Information on the 2024/25 school year has been published, while data on the current school year will be available during the summer.
