Written answers

Thursday, 13 May 2021

Department of Education and Skills

School Staff

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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328. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which she remains satisfied regarding the pupil-teacher ratio at all primary and second-level schools throughout the country with particular reference to population growth areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25453/21]

Photo of Norma FoleyNorma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Teacher allocations to all schools are approved annually by my Department in accordance with established rules based on recognised pupil enrolment. The criteria for the allocation of posts are communicated to school managements annually and are available on the Department website.

The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources at primary and post primary level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September.

For the 2021/22 school year, an improvement of one point in the appointment threshold in primary schools has been introduced and schools will be provided with class teachers on the basis of 1 teacher for every 25 pupils which is a historically low ratio. In addition, a three point reduction in the retention scale has also been introduced for September 2021. These measures will help to ensure that less pupils are required to recruit or retain a teacher.

The staffing arrangements at primary level include a developing post application process which allows for schools which are projecting a significant increase in enrolment to be allocated posts on the basis of enrolments in the coming September. A staffing appeals mechanism is also available to schools, including a specific criteria aimed at schools that make a significant contribution to the provision of school places which assists the response to demographic growth in their area.

At post primary level, Teachers are currently allocated at a ratio of 19:1 in the free education system and 23:1 to schools in the fee charging sector. The criteria for the allocation of posts are communicated to school managements annually and are available on the Department website.

Schools that project an increase in enrolment may apply for an additional teacher allocation and provisional approval is sanctioned in May pending official confirmation of enrolments in September.

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