201. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Youth the measures she is taking to protect rural primary schools that are at risk of losing teaching posts due to declining enrolment numbers; if her Department will review the staffing schedule for smaller rural schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53866/26]

202. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will consider reducing the pupil-teacher ratio in primary schools in Budget 2027, particularly in rural schools where staffing levels are under pressure due to demographic decline; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53867/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 201 and 202 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, regardless of location.

Within the staffing arrangements, 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 projected enrolment. There is also a staffing appeals mechanism for schools to apply to an independent Primary Staffing Appeals Board, under certain published criteria, including one aimed specifically at small schools.

Priority was given in recent Budgets to reducing the pupil teacher ratios in primary schools which has brought the teacher allocation ratio to the most favourable ratio ever seen at primary level.  In 2015, teachers were allocated to primary schools at a general average of 28 pupils for every one teacher. This has improved to the current ratio of 23:1, with lower thresholds in place for DEIS Urban Band 1 schools. In addition to the reductions in the teacher allocation ratio, 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. In the case of small schools, the staffing schedule provides particularly favourable retention thresholds. For example, a small school may retain it's second mainstream teaching post with as few as 11 pupils, it's third post at 45 pupils, and it's fourth post at 75 pupils.

Further progress on this matter will be considered as part of the annual budgetary process.