asked the Minister for Education the increase that will be required in the number of teachers in order to give effect to his proposals to reduce the child-teacher ratio; if he has any plans to increase teachers' remuneration over and above the national pay agreements in order to attract more teachers into the profession; and, if not, the facts that are available to him to indicate that he will attract the required number of teachers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Teacher-Pupil Ratio.
93.
Mr. R. Burke
The augmented output from the training colleges this year produced some 380 teachers over and above replacement requirements, thus enabling me to effect the improvements in the teacher/pupil ratio already announced which came into operation as from 1st July, 1973.
I have no plans to increase teachers' remuneration over and above the national pay agreements.
I am satisfied that a sufficient number of candidates for teacher-training will continue to be available through:
(i) the open competition from the schools; (ii) the mature students' competition, and (iii) the special course for graduates, to enable me to meet ordinary requirements and provide the additional numbers of teachers necessary for the further improvement of staffing ratios and to cater for special needs. I am confirmed in this opinion by the continued buoyancy of the intake from the schools, the success of the mature students' competition and the growing numbers of graduates seeking to make a career in primary teaching.
Is the Minister satisfied at this stage that he has a sufficient number of teachers to cope with the demand upon him and the educational system?
Mr. R. Burke
I am so satisfied.
I am not satisfied.