asked the Minister for Education if he will describe in detail the system introduced to ensure compliance with the decision that no primary school pupil would be in classes exceeding 45 pupils with effect from the commencement of the school year 1973-74; and if he will make a statement on the fact that on 30th September, 1976 there were still 45,116 primary school pupils in classes exceeding 45.
Written Answers. - Class Sizes.
561.
Under the rules for national schools, the principal teacher is responsible for the organisation of a school subject to the authority of the board of management. On the occasion of an improvement in the pupil-teacher ratio which came into operation on 1st July, 1973 school authorities were asked to ensure that the number of pupils in any one class should not exceed 45 pupils. The fact that pupils still remain in classes exceeding 45 is a cause for disquiet and I am having special inquiries made into the matter.