School Staff

Wednesday, 18 June 2025

Questions (89)

Robert O'Donoghue

Question:

89. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware of a primary school (details supplied) where due to a loss of a teacher, the school will be required to manage three or more class levels in a single classroom—such as arrangements where one teacher is responsible for junior infants, senior infants, and first class, or for second, third, and fourth class; the steps her Department is taking to address the educational and professional challenges this poses for teachers, and more importantly, the learning impact on students; if she will consider reviewing pupil-teacher ratio thresholds and resourcing models for small schools to ensure more equitable and effective classroom structures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33209/25]

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Written answers

Minister for Education and Youth

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 operates in a clear and transparent manner and treats all similar types of schools equally.

The school referred to by the Deputy is to have a teaching post suppressed in September due to falling enrolments.

The primary school staffing arrangements for the 2025/26 school year are set out in Circular 0011/2025. These arrangements contain an appeals mechanism for schools to submit a staffing appeal under certain criteria to an independent Primary Staffing Appeals Board. Information and application forms are available in Circular 0011/2025. The Primary Staffing Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.

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.).

Question Nos. 90 to 93 inclusive not received from Department.