Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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119. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if there will be no reduction in teacher numbers in primary schools for the 2020/2021 school year even if there has been a reduction in pupil enrolment in some areas in view of the Covid-19 crisis (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9785/20]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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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 redeployment of all surplus permanent/CID holding teachers is the mechanism used to fill teaching posts and is key to the ability of the Department to manage within its payroll budget. The redeployment panels are currently transacting and schools are filling teaching vacancies for the 2020/21 school year.

The National Return to Work Safely Protocol will inform discussions with all education partners so that appropriate guidance for schools is developed and arrangements put in place in time for the new school year.