Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 15 Nov 1990

Vol. 402 No. 7

Written Answers. - Pupil/Teacher Ratios.

Nora Owen

Question:

45 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Education the proposals she has to reduce class sizes in St. Marnock's national school, Portmarnock, County Dublin; and whether she has received a request from the school authority for additional staff.

Minister for Education (Mrs. O'Rourke)

No application has been made by the board of management of St. Marnock's national school, Portmarnock, for the appointment of an additional assistant teacher to the school.

As the Deputy will be aware there is an agreement between the Government and the INTO regarding the staffing of national schools.

As part of this agreement my Department has implemented a reduction of one unit in the enrolment/staffing schedule for national schools from 1 September 1990. This agreement has led to an improvement in the pupil/teacher ratio in national schools for the 1990-91 school year.

Under existing arrangements negotiated under the auspices of the central review committee, school authorities, in particular the principal teacher, are responsible for arranging the organisation of the school so as to ensure that no class group exceeds the guidelines set down by my Department.

The following is the position regarding enrolment in this school: enrolment 30/9/88 — 865; staffing for 1989-90 — Principal plus 24 plus Remedial; enrolment 30/9/89 — 834; staffing for 1990-91 — Principal plus 24 plus Remedial; enrolment 30/9/90 — 772.

The issue of class sizes in national schools will be reviewed in the context of on-going discussions under theProgramme for National Recovery.