asked the Minister for Education if she will outline the exceptional circumstances referred to in her statement on 26 November, 1987 when she said she intends to sanction primary school classes in excess of 40 in size.
95.
Written Answers. - Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
91.
asked the Minister for Education the precise upper limit she has in mind by the low 30's average class size referred to in her statement on primary education issued on 26 November, 1987.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 91 and 95 together.
At present the overall average class size in national schools is approximately 30.5 and this is expected to rise to approximately 33 after the changes announced in circular 20/87 take effect. Where the implementation of the circular would create unacceptably large classes, the particular circumstances of the school will be examined by the Primary Quota Review Committee on a class by class basis, taking into account the needs of the school and the existing staffing and accommodation, with the general aim of ensuring that the maximum class size does not exceed 40 except in exceptional circumstances. It would be open to the committee to recommend a re-organisation of classes or a re-allocation of teaching duties, that classes should be allowed exceed the above limits in particular cases or that, in very exceptional circumstances, a teaching post should be retained which would otherwise have been discontinued under the terms of the circular.