asked the Minister for Education if he has proposals to reduce the student/teacher ratio in primary schools in the Finglas/Ballymun/Glasnevin area, Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Student-Teacher Ratio.
10.
Mr. R. Burke
Considerable improvements have already been made in the teacher/pupil ratio in national schools generally. The ratio in schools with nine or more teachers was substantially improved with effect from 1st July, 1973, and a similar improvement in the ratio for schools with 4-8 teachers was made with effect from 1st July, 1974. Primary schools in the areas referred to benefited from these improvements.
Could I ask the Minister if he can appreciate the difference between the past, present and future tenses? I asked if he had any proposals to improve it in the future. I know about the unfortunate position that exists and has existed in the past.
Mr. R. Burke
There are no proposals for the coming year, 1975.
That is the answer I was expecting. Would the Minister accept that that is regrettable?
Mr. R. Burke
Yes, but the economic circumstances of the country make it a little difficult to keep the same degree of improvement every year.
Who is responsible for the economic situation?
Mr. R. Burke
I am not an expert in economics.
Or education.
Would the Minister endeavour at this stage to have some of the moneys which are available to him devoted to that top priority area?
Mr. R. Burke
If there are any surplus teachers and we can put them into these areas, I shall certainly have a look at it.
In view of the reduction in the number of teachers in training and the cancellation of the facility for English or Northern Ireland-trained teachers to enter the teaching profession in this country, how does he hope to carry out the improvements suggested in these schools or, indeed, any others.
Mr. R. Burke
When the economic circumstances improve these matters can be dealt with.