629. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a DEIS plus school (details supplied) is set to lose a mainstream teacher on the basis that it had 165 pupils and not 166 on roll for September 2025; if she will review this decision in light of the additional enrolments of two pupils in May 2026 which has brought the total mainstream roll numbers above to 166 for September 2026; if she accepts that if this reduction in teacher allocations goes ahead it would see ratios for some classes jump from the recommended 17:1 for DEIS Plus schools to 22:1; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40108/26]

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 staffing arrangements for the 2026/27 school year are set out in Circular 0025/2026. That circular contains information and application forms on the staffing appeals process, where schools may appeal their staffing allocation to the Primary Staffing Appeals Board. The appeal submitted by the school was unsuccessful. The Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.