Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The full-year cost of a one-point reduction to the primary staffing schedule is estimated to be €18 million. Therefore, the full-year cost of a five-point reduction would increase the annual primary teacher pay costs by an estimated €90 million per annum. Across the five-year period of reduction, the cumulative increase in pay provision is estimated at €270 million. The precise impact at individual school level is more difficult to predict in terms of capital requirements.

A change in the staffing schedule may not always give rise to the appointment of an additional teacher and, therefore, the provision of new classroom. In areas of stable or falling pupil enrolment numbers, schools may already have a spare classroom or be in a position to convert an existing space into a classroom. Where a new classroom build is required the capital cost is almost €135,000 per classroom.

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