Vol. 569 No. 3
242 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to alter the schedule of enrolment of pupils governing the appointment and retention of mainstream class teachers in national schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17437/03]
The staffing schedule of enrolment of pupils governing the appointment and retention of mainstream class teachers in national schools is finalised for a particular year following discussions between officials from my Department and the education partners. The staffing schedule issued in February 2003 to all primary schools in primary circular 9/03 for the 2003-04 school year. I have no plans to alter the staffing schedule for the coming school year.
The pupil-teacher ratio at primary level has improved significantly in recent years. At primary level the ratio has fallen from 22.2:1 in 1996-97 to 19:1 in the 2001-02 school year. The projected ratio for the current school year is 18.4:1.
In line with Government policy, my Department will continue to strive towards further reductions in the pupil teacher ratio within available resources.
