John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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1160. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department could provide additional detail as to the reason the teacher allocation has resulted in the merger of four 3rd class groups into three groups at a school (details supplied); if her Department is exploring options for retaining the four 3rd class groups; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42775/25]

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. The primary school staffing arrangements for the 2025/26 school year are set out in Circular 0011/2025.

There is no change to the teaching allocation in the school referred to for the 2025/26 school year.

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.).