357. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether her Department requested a school (details supplied) to accommodate an additional junior infant class for the 2026-2027 school year; if her Department has refused to allocate an additional classroom teacher to the school notwithstanding that request; if her Department considered the impact of that refusal on existing pupils, including the potential amalgamation of two senior infant classes into a first class grouping of approximately 34 pupils. [51173/26]

358. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Education and Youth the staffing schedule, enrolment data, circular or criteria that were relied upon in refusing the additional teacher in a school (details supplied). [51174/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 357 and 358 together.

The primary factor in determining the level of staffing resources allocated to an individual school is the applicable staffing schedule for the relevant school year, together with pupil enrolment as recorded on the preceding 30 September. The staffing schedule operates as a standardised allocation mechanism, using enrolment bands to determine the number of classroom teaching posts assigned to each school.

At primary level, the staffing schedule plays a central role in supporting the sustainability of schools by aligning staffing resources with enrolment patterns in a clear, consistent, and equitable manner, ensuring that schools of a similar type are treated uniformly, irrespective of location.

The enrolment at St. Corban’s National School decreased from 498 pupils in September 2024 to 460 pupils in September 2025. Based on an enrolment of 460 pupils, the school is allocated 19 mainstream classroom teachers for the 2026/27 school year.

Within the staffing arrangements (Circular 0025/2026), there are options available to schools to apply for additional staffing. Schools experiencing rapid increases in enrolment can apply for additional permanent mainstream posts, using the projected enrolment criteria. There is also a staffing appeals mechanism for schools to apply to an independent Primary Staffing Appeals Board, under certain published criteria.

Class sizes in schools are affected by a variety of factors including enrolment fluctuations and accommodation available.

Schools are best placed to determine the appropriate numbers in any class and so 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. School authorities should also, where possible, use their autonomy under the staffing schedule to implement smaller class sizes for junior classes.