asked the Minister for Education whether it is possible to reduce the pupil/teacher ratio in national schools; and when a change in the position may be expected.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pupil/Teacher Ratio.
21.
Mr. R. Burke
Considerable improvements have already been made in the teacher/pupil ratio in national schools since the present Government came into office. The teacher/pupil 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.
Would the Minister agree that it was possible to make the favourable changes in the pupil/teacher ratio due to the fact that I had many more teachers than the norm trained and that it had nothing whatsoever to do with the policy of the present Government to date?
That is hardly related to the question.
Mr. R. Burke
I am constrained to agree with the Deputy because he was in office when these decisions were taken.
Could the Minister state how the situation would be affected by the change-over to the three year training periods?
Mr. R. Burke
Perhaps the Deputy would like to wait for Question No. 39 which is relevant to this.
Would the Minister agree that still in Dublin city there are very many primary classes with over 40 pupils in them?
Mr. R. Burke
I am aware there are some such classes.
Is the Minister sure, even if he had the supply of teachers available, the existing schools that have over 40 pupils will have accommodation for the extra teachers and pupils?
The Deputy is moving into another area now.
Mr. R. Burke
It is not possible in a short time to remedy all the defects which have grown up over the years but we are working on it.