Scoil Chrónáin, Rathcoole

This update Monday 22nd June 2026

PQ submitted in relation to a reduction in teacher numbers, which as I understand at the moment relate to falling enrolment.

On Friday 19th June last I was contacted about a tentative meeting the following Monday with a a group of parents concerned about the above. I indicated that I was unable to attend on this date and suggested I would be available to meet on other dates.

But I undertook to raise the issue with the Minister, initially via PQs. These are listed below and I will post replies as they become available later in the week.

To ask the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware of the recent loss of a teacher at Scoil Chrónáin, Rathcoole; to outline whether this is purely down to enrolment numbers falling or if there are other areas that may mitigate this decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

To ask the Minister for Education, given the increasing use of the Irish language in many suburban parts of Dublin, whether she intends to improve the pupil-teacher ratio in schools in these areas similar to the boost given to such schools in Gaeltacht areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

To ask the Minister for Education and Youth what consideration is 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.

Pending the replies I indicated some of the issues in detail to a parent who contacted me which I am putting up here so anyone can access:

I think it is worth pointing out straight up that a TD can do absolutely nothing regarding a specific school losing a teacher due to falling enrolment numbers. Anyone promising otherwise is being disingenuous and playing a political game. Separately it is entirely the remit of a school to choose how to reallocate teachers in these circumstances and any letter from an elected rep would be routinely ignored.

I am aware of multiple schools in my constituency, including another Gaelscoil who are facing similar issues. and to be clear there is no specific argument that can be made that will change the Department's decision in relation to a specific school in relation to numbers.

I have tabled a Dáil question about this matter, as well as in relation to the extension delay, but I anticipate the response will be similar to one I received before, namely: "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 enrolment issue is a controversial one as the Department of Education bases these policies off the population in the area, meaning one year there may be a lower intake number for Junior Infants, while the next year may be significantly higher, but it does not seem that they look beyond the next academic term for a rolling average, or projects to future needs.

But Scoil Chrónáin will not be assessed in isolation (unless the Department has breached one of its own rules). The only credible arguments that can be made are that, with some schools losing places in older areas due to declning populations, the Department has an opportunity to improve the overall pupil-teacher ratio by facilitating the retention of teachers across the country. This would not save all places in a given year, but it would save some and it is a matter I will be raising directly with the Minister for Education.

Secondly is the case to be made for Gaelscoileanna versus English-medium schools. Aside from Deis schools, the Department of Education uses a standard staffing schedule that determines how many teachers a school receives based on enrollment numbers. This schedule dictates an average pupil-teacher ratio which applies equally to standard primary schools and Gaelscoileanna. My understanding is that primary schools formally located in recognised Gaeltacht areas have a more favorable staffing schedule, so it is worth making the argument that this should be changed to include a wider number of areas.

These are the main angles I will be using in terms of the upcoming budget as specific school arguments will likely not suffice.

ENDS