Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 13 Feb 1992

Vol. 415 No. 7

Written Answers. - Leixlip (Kildare) School.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

62 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education if his attention has been drawn to (a) the difficulties posed by the revised Programme for Economic and Social Progress for Scoil Eoin Phóil, Leixlip, County Kildare with particular reference to the appointment of a permanent secretary or caretaker and the achievement of a reasonable pupil/teacher ratio and (b) the present pupil/teacher ratio in the school; if he will outline the means by which he intends to resolve the problems outlined; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

76 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties posed by the revised Programme for Economic and Social Progress for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare with particular reference to the appointment of a permanent secretary or caretaker and the achievement of a reasonable pupil/teacher ratio and (b) the present pupil/teacher ratio in the school; if he will outline the way in which he intends to resolve these problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Mr. S. Brennan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 62 and 76 together.

The present pupil/teacher ratio in Scoil Eoin Phóil is 28.6 to 1.

Under the revisions to the Programme for Economic and Social Progress, the teacher-pupil ratio in primary schools is being reduced from 25.8:1 to 25:1. The revisions to the progamme mean that this target will be reached in September 1993 rather than in September 1992.

This improvement for 1992-93 will be reflected in a revised staffing schedule currently being discussed with the INTO. The overall national ratio is, of course, an average figure and inevitably there will be variations between schools.

The revision to the Programme for Economic and Social Progress also entails some relatively minor additional phasing of the provision for caretaking and clerical services. It will only marginally affect the timing of when schools such as Scoil Eoin Phóil are likely to benefit from this provision.