asked the Minister for Education the number of classes in primary schools which have pupil-teacher ratios of: (a) 14 to 1, (b) 20 to 1, (c) 30 to 1 and (d) greater than 40 to 1 for each year from 1977 to date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
15.
The information is given in the form of a tabular statement which, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, will be circulated with the Official Report.
Following is the statement:
|
Pupil- Teacher Ratio |
Number of classes 1977-78 |
Number of classes 1978-79 |
Number of classes 1979-80 |
|
14 to 1 |
89 |
80 |
82 |
|
20 to 1 |
265 |
245 |
243 |
|
30 to 1 |
583 |
679 |
748 |
|
Greater than |
|||
|
40 to 1 |
3,260 |
2,160 |
980 |
The above data relate to ordinary national school classes. Data in respect of the current school year 1980-81 are at present being collected.
In respect of the classes with a greater than 40:1 ratio, could the Minister give the numbers?
In 1977-78, 3,260; in 1978-79, 2,160; and in 1979-80, 980. I am sure the Deputy will be delighted to see the extent of that progress.
I am delighted to give the Minister the opportunity to express this opinion.
Even a deep friendship could not have been better prompted.