Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 15 May 1975

Vol. 280 No. 12

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pupil/Teacher Ratios.

37.

Mr. Molloy

asked the Minister for Education if he will outline the steps he has taken since March, 1973, to bring about a reduction in pupil/ teacher ratios, especially at junior level.

Mr. R. Burke

Particulars of the enrolment requirement for the appointment of teachers in operation before and since March, 1973, are set out in the form of a tabular statement which, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to circulate with the Official Report.

Following is the statement:

FIGURES of average enrolment of pupils governing appointment and retention of teachers.

	From 1st July, 1969	1st July, 1973	1st July, 1974
	First Appointment	Retention	First Appointment	Retention	First Appointment	Retention
1st Assistant	36	28		36	28	36	28	No change
2nd ,,	80	70		80	70	80	70
3rd ,,	120	110		120	110	115	110
4th ,,	160	150	No change	160	150	155	150
5th ,,	205	195		205	195	195	190	Improved
6th ,,	250	240		250	240	235	230
7th ,,	295	285		295	285	275	270
8th ,,	340	320		310	300	310	300
9th ,,	385	365		350	340	350	340
10th ,,	430	410		390	380	390	380
11th ,,	475	455		430	420	430	420
12th ,,	520	500	Improved	470	460	470	460	No change
13th ,,	565	545		510	500	510	500
14th ,,	610	590		550	540	550	540
15th ,,	655	635		590	580	590	580
16th ,,	700	680		630	620	630	620
	For a 17th Assistant and upwards add an additional units of average daily enrolment.	For a 17th Assistant and upwards add an additional 40 units of average daily enrolments.

Mr. Wilson

Would it be possible for the Minister to take account of the 238 untrained teachers in order to utilise them for a reduction in the pupil/teacher ratio?

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy is now bringing in new matter.

Mr. R. Burke

That is widening the question.