asked the Minister for Education the proposals, if any, she has for the improvement of the pupil/teacher ratio in primary schools; if the position will improve in 1988; where the highest pupil/teacher ratio currently exists; what this ratio is; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Pupil/Teacher Ratio.
211.
My Department has recently notified boards of management of national schools of revisions which have been made in the schedule of figures for the appointment and retention of teachers in national schools.
I have arranged to make a copy of the revised schedule available in the Oireachtas Library.
The appointment and retention of teachers is made with reference to the schedule of averages and not to a specific pupil/teacher ratio. The current average pupil/teacher ratio is 26.8:1.