284. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Youth the consideration being given to improving the pupil-teacher ratio in primary schools for the coming year, which would mean the retention of many teachers facing a loss this year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48487/26]

Budget 2026 provided an increase of €845 million in core current funding for education and youth on the figure allocated for 2025, while the total investment figure also includes €1.6 billion allocated for 2026 as part of the National Development Plan 2026–2030.

This funding reflects the Government’s continued commitment, under the Programme for Government, to ensuring that every child and young person can learn, thrive and reach their full potential. It builds on the progress made in recent years, while recognising that further work is needed to make education more inclusive and equitable for all.

Funding has been provided for 860 special education teachers, across special schools and mainstream settings, along with more than 1700 SNAs; a €48 million full-year investment across both the DEIS strategy and the DEIS Plus scheme. Approximately 30,000 children and young people attending DEIS Plus schools will benefit from these targeted supports.

Teacher numbers at primary level have reached the highest ever level in the current school year. Currently there are over 43,000 teaching posts allocated across the primary school system. This represents an increase of just over 5,000 teachers when compared with the 2019/20 year and this has led to a steady improvement in the pupil:teacher ratio and average class size during this period. In recent budgets, prioritisation was given to reducing the pupil teacher ratio in primary schools, which has brought the teacher allocation ratio to an average of 1 classroom teacher for every 23 pupils in all primary schools, the most favourable ratio ever seen at primary level. A three-point reduction in the retention schedule, which was introduced in 2021, assists schools that would otherwise be at risk of losing teaching posts.

The latest figures in relation to pupil:teacher ratio shows an improved ratio of pupils to teachers from 15:1 to 12.8:1 at primary level when comparing the 2019/20 school year to the 2024/25 school year. In the same period, the primary staffing schedule improved from 26:1 to 23:1 and average class sizes at primary have improved from 24:1 to 22.2:1.

The Government has significantly invested in our schools and in our teacher workforce in recent years. Further progress in this area will be considered as part of the annual budgetary process.