Denise Mitchell (Dublin Bay North, Sinn Fein)
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291. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department will ensure a school (details supplied) has funding for an extra teacher; if she is aware that two second classes are to be merged into one resulting in a class size of 34 students; the measures she is taking to reduce class sizes to ensure children get the appropriate attention they need; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33408/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, 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 staffing schedule operates in a clear and transparent manner and treats all similar types of schools equally. At primary level, teachers are allocated to schools at an average of 1 classroom teacher for every 23 pupils, the lowest level ever seen at primary level. DEIS Urban Band 1 schools receive an average allocation of 17:1, 21:1 and 19:1 for junior, senior and vertical schools respectively.

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.).