Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2019
170. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated cost of a reduction of one at all points of the staffing schedule for primary schools from September 2020; and the net number of additional teaching posts involved in view of his predictions of falling enrolments in primary schools commencing in 2019 and continuing at a greater rate of fall thereafter. [17299/19]
View answerThe criteria used for the allocation of teaching posts is published annually on the Department website. 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 also includes an appeals mechanism for schools to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeals Board.
The staffing schedule operates in a clear and transparent manner and treats all similar types of schools equally irrespective of location.
Teachers are currently allocated to primary schools at an average of 1 classroom teacher for every 26 pupils.
Each 1 point adjustment to the primary staffing schedule is estimated to cost in the region of €13.5m per annum, with approximately 300 posts required.
