I want to raise the case of St. Francis Junior School in Priorswood. It is a school that is at the heart of the community and a source of great pride to the area, yet it is losing a mainstream teacher for being one pupil under the quota back in September 2025. The school has had more pupils enrolled since then but its appeal has been rejected. There is huge anger in the community. This is a DEIS plus school. It serves a very disadvantaged area and 40% of the pupils come from a Traveller background. The Minister said that the appeals board is independent and that she has no ability to intervene. Back in 2020, however, the school was facing an identical situation and the then Minister for education intervened and the school saved its teacher. On one hand, this school is DEIS plus, so it can receive the increased supports while on the other hand, the Government is removing a mainstream teacher.

Sentiment score: 0.06

It is a mainstream teacher.

Sentiment score: 0.00

However, it is DEIS plus. We are getting it on one hand and losing it on the other.

Sentiment score: 0.08