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Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 October 2021

Tuesday, 5 October 2021

Questions (414)

Frank Feighan

Question:

414. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Education if student retention numbers can be lowered to allow minority ethos schools such as a school (details supplied) keep a minimum of two teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48223/21]

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Written answers

Under the Programme for Government there is a commitment to make further progress in reducing the pupil teacher ratios in primary schools and support small schools.

As part of the Budget 2021 measures, the Government have sought to deliver on this commitment by the announcement of a 1 point change to the primary staffing schedule and the introduction of a three point reduction in the number of pupils needed to retain a teacher. For the 2021/22 school year the staffing schedule is on the basis of 1 teacher for every 25 pupils.

The staffing schedule which now stands at a new historical low will help ensure better teacher retention in primary schools while also ensuring that less pupils are required to retain or recruit a teacher. Any further improvement will be considered in the context of the annual budgetary process.

A staffing appeals process is available to primary schools, including a particular appeal aimed at small schools such as the one referred to by the Deputy. There is no change to the staffing of the school this year. Staffing arrangements for the 2022/23 school year will be published early in 2022.

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