Vol. 512 No. 1
81 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will consider the further reduction of class sizes along with provision of additional teachers in all primary schools serving the designated drugs task force areas. [21020/99]
The Deputy may be aware that I have introduced a range of initiatives to help reduce the average class size in primary schools since taking up office. They include the introduction of a maximum average class size of 30 in ordinary schools for the 1999-2000 school year. A maximum general class size guideline of 29 operates in all primary schools designed as disadvantaged.
The question of a further reduction of class sizes and the provision of additional teachers in all primary schools serving the designated drugs task force areas will be considered in the context of available resources.
