Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 19 Feb 1992

Vol. 415 No. 9

Written Answers. - Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

97 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education whether he has satisfied himself that an optimum pupil-teacher ratio is attainable in 1992 given projections in respect of the number of teachers and the number of students in second level schools; if he will outline the expected pupil-teacher ratio in (a) vocational education committee schools and (b) other secondary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Dick Spring

Question:

157 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Education if he will outline (a) the present pupil-teacher ratio in first and second levels, (b) the improvement envisaged under the Programme for Economic and Social Progress for September 1992 and (c) the additional number of teachers to be employed.

Dick Spring

Question:

158 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Education the number of new vice-principals and guidance teacher posts to be provided at second level by virtue of the additional £1.1 million allocated.

Minister for Education (Mr. S. Brennan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 97, 157 and 158 together.

The pupil-teacher ratio in national schools is currently 25.8:1. This will be improved to 25.2:1 from September 1992 as a result of the retention of 300 posts which otherwise would have been lost due to declining enrolments.

The ratio at the post primary level is currently 19.5:1. It will be improved to 19.25:1 from September 1992 by the creation of 142 additional teaching posts.

There are some 1,000 posts over quota in post-primary schools excluding principals. In addition, the arrangements to be phased in over three years for the recognition on an ex-quota basis, of vice-principals in post-primary schools with enrolments in excess of 499 and 0.5 of a full-time post in respect of guidance in schools in the 350-499 enrolment category, will result in a further 118 posts being created in 1992-93. As a result the pupil-teacher ratio overall will fall to approximately 16.8:1 in the post primary sector. It will be of the order of 15.3:1 in vocational schools, 17.6:1 in secondary schools and 16.3:1 in community-comprehensive schools.

The additional financial provision in 1992 for the post-primary sector in respect of the measures outlined above is £1.35 million.

I consider this to be a satisfactory position in present circumstances. The position will, of course, be improved still further in the 1993-94 and 1994-95 school years with the further provisions agreed under theProgramme for Economic and Social Progress in regard to vice-principal and guidance teachers.