Pupil-Teacher Ratio
Seanad Éireann — 2026-07-01
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Michael Moynihan (FF), Cork North-West

I thank the Senator and I appreciate the question. Budget 2026 provides for a total of €13.1 billion investment in the Department of Education and Youth services. That is a 7% increase on last year. The budget provides for an increase of €845 million in core funding for education and youth on the figure allocated for 2025, while the total investment figure also includes €1.6 billion allocated for 2026 as part of the National Development Plan 2026-2030.
This funding reflects the Government's continued commitment under the programme for Government to ensure every child and young person can learn, thrive and reach their full potential. It builds on the progress made in recent years while recognising that further work is needed to make education more inclusive and equitable for all.
Teacher numbers at primary level have reached their highest-ever level in the current school year. Currently, there are over 43,000 teaching posts allocated across the primary school system. This represents an increase of just over 5,000 teachers compared with the figure for the 2019–20 school year, and this has led to a steady improvement in the pupil–teacher ratio and average class sizes during this period.
In recent budgets, priority was given to reducing the pupil–teacher ratio in primary schools, which brought the teacher allocation ratio to an average of one classroom teacher for every 23 pupils in all primary schools, the most favourable ratio ever seen at primary level. 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.
The DEIS urban band 1 schools, including DEIS plus schools, receive additional allocations of 17:1, 20:1 and 19:1 for junior, senior and vertical schools, respectively. The latest figures on the pupil–teacher ratio show an improved ratio of pupils to teachers, from 15:1 to 12:1 at primary level, when comparing the 2019–20 school year with the 2024–25 school year. The average EU pupil–teacher ratio is 15:1. This includes all teachers allocated to a school as a ratio of the number of pupils enrolled in that school. The difference arises from the allocation of special education teachers, home school liaison teachers and other teachers who are not mainstream classroom teachers in schools. While these teachers provide valuable supports in school, they do not impact on class sizes. In the same five-year period, the primary staffing schedule improved from 26:1 to 23:1, and average class sizes at primary school have improved from 24 to 22.
The Government has significantly invested in schools and in our teacher workforce over recent years. The programme for Government commits to making further progress in this area, with an aim of reducing the general pupil–teacher ratio at primary level to 19:1 over the term of the Government.
I take the points the Senator has raised on the pupil–teacher ratio. In this regard, I have outlined one of the key goals. In the Senator's opening comments, she said a lower pupil–teacher ratio improves outcomes for children. The Government is constantly asking how we can make things better for children going through primary school and post-primary school. As with all elements of education, the aim is to equip them with the best tools they can have for entry into adulthood, when their school education ends. The education system is crucial in this regard. I take the Senator's points, but I might respond on the staffing schedule in my closing statement.

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Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:55:08+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-07-01