asked the Minister for Education the average pupil-teacher ratio in primary schools when the 1988 Estimates take effect; the number of children in (a) classes of 30 or under, (b) classes of 40 or under and (c) classes of 50 or under from 1 January 1988; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
136.
After the change in the schedules for the appointment and retention of staff in national schools takes effect in 1988 it is estimated that the average pupil-teacher ratio will be 29.2:1. As the full impact of a reduction in teacher numbers will not occur until late in 1988 it would not be possible at this stage to give details of the numbers of pupils which are likely to be in classes of various sizes. However, the revised schedules allow in general for the appointment of an additional assistant for each 38 units of average enrolment. On this basis, a significant number of classes with more than 40 pupils is not expected.
It is estimated that the average pupil-teacher ratio in national schools during 1988 should be 29:1. Information about class-sizes from 1 January 1988 is not available at present.