asked the Minister for Education the teacher-pupil ratio acceptable for incremental purposes in (1) vocational schools and (2) secondary schools; and the reason for the different ratios.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Teacher-Pupil Ratios.
59.
The pupil-teacher ratios approved for the current school-year are 17.5:1 for the vocational education sector and 20:1 for secondary schools. These ratios exclude the principal and vice-principal and, in larger schools, the guidance teacher.
The difference in ratios is due to the fact that practical subjects involve a high proportion of individual tuition. This does not obtain to a similar extent in the case of the more academic type subjects.
Does the Minister not agree that it is his desire that a wider curriculum be established in all post primary and secondary schools and that this would require a greater participation in practical subjects? In those circumstances would he not agree to reduce the teacher-pupil ratio in secondary schools to the level which obtains in vocational schools, 17.5 to one?
No. I have already pointed out to the Deputy that I believe that our reasons for the particular teacher-pupil ratios are educationally sound and because at present the practical subjects are much more available in the vocational schools there is a need for a high proportion of individual tuition in these schools.
Is the Minister aware that this high ratio of 20 to one in secondary schools will retard those schools in establishing the practical courses which he so desires?
No. I do not accept that.