Martin Daly TD asked the Minister for Education: School Staff

Martin Daly TD of County Roscommon raised a question in the Dáil on 17 June 2026 to the Minister for Education and Youth. He asked how many primary schools in Roscommon and Galway are projected to lose a mainstream teaching post for the 2026/27 school year because enrolment is expected to fall marginally below the staffing schedule thresholds. Daly also requested that the Department consider additional flexibility for small rural schools facing such changes.

The question highlights concerns about staffing levels in rural primary schools where modest declines in pupil numbers can trigger a reduction in teaching posts under current staffing schedules. By seeking specific figures, Daly aims to quantify how many schools in his constituency and neighbouring Galway may be affected by the upcoming school year’s staffing adjustments.

He further asked whether any policy measures or discretionary options would allow smaller schools to retain their teachers despite falling enrolment numbers. The issue is part of a broader discussion about maintaining adequate teaching resources in sparsely populated areas while adhering to national staffing guidelines.

The response from the Department has not yet been released, and it remains unclear how many schools will be impacted or what flexibility might be offered. Residents of County Roscommon and Galway can monitor the outcome through the Oireachtas website.

For more details, see the Oireachtas record of the question.

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