Written answer
School Staff
383. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether current enrolment at a school (details supplied) in County Mayo will be taken into account in advance of September 2026 given the school now meets the relevant staffing threshold, rather than the use of 30 September 2025 figures; if a revised allocation will be approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51655/26]
Comment on this
384. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Education and Youth if any mechanism exists to revise a staffing decision in cases such as a school (details supplied) in County Mayo where enrolment has increased after the appeals process concluded and now meets the required threshold for an additional teaching post; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51656/26]
Comment on this
385. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she retains any discretion to review or amend a staffing allocation for a school such as a school (details supplied) in County Mayo where new enrolment data demonstrates that the criteria for an additional teacher are now satisfied, notwithstanding the previous decision of the Primary Staffing Appeals Board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51657/26]
Comment on this
I propose to take Questions Nos. 383, 384 and 385 together.
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. Should the circumstances of a school change following the appeal, a school may submit a new appeal to the Primary Staffing Appeals Board. The Appeals Board will meet again in October. Within the staffing arrangements, there is also an option for a school to apply for additional staffing in instances where the school is experiencing rapid increases in enrolment. These schools can apply for additional mainstream posts, using the projected enrolment criteria as outlined in the staffing circular.