267. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department will review the decision to remove a mainstream teaching post from a school (details supplied) from 31 October 2026, which would result in a class of 35 pupils, many of whom have additional educational needs; and if she will consider retaining the teaching post given the class size and level of support required. [75099/26]

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 include a provision whereby schools experiencing rapid increases in enrolment can apply for additional permanent mainstream posts, using projected enrolment.   The school referred to by the Deputy has been allocated a post on this basis, having advised of an expected enrolment of 207 pupils.  The school was advised that to retain the post, an enrolment of 199 was required on 30 September.  To date, the school has not provided its census return to the Department.

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