Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020
812. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Education if, in view of funding changes in Budget 2021, combined with the fact that a school (details supplied) student figures have recovered during the current academic year, the teacher number that was removed in 2019 can be reinstated during the current academic year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33570/20]
View answerThe 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 irrespective of location.
Primary schools are currently provided with class teachers on the basis of one teacher for every 26 pupils which is at its historically lowest level. Budget 2021 builds on this progress by implementing a further 1 point reduction for the 2021/22 school year. The staffing schedule for the 2021/22 school year, which stands at an average of 1 teacher for every 25 pupils, will be published early next year. It is at this stage that all primary schools will be able to ascertain their teacher allocation for the 2021/22 school year.
