Vol. 443 No. 4
206 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education her Department's policy in relation to the pupil/teacher ratio in secondary schools; the annual requirement of second level teachers up to the year 2000 to achieve this policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
My Department's responsibility in this regard is to ensure that an adequate number of teachers is available to cater for the educational needs of pupils at second level.
The pupil/teacher ratio at second level was reduced in 1991-92, in 1992-93 and again in 1993-94. A further reduction will occur in 1994-95 as a result of the allocation of additional ex-quota vice-principal, guidance and remedial posts and additional disadvantaged posts. The question of reducing the pupil/teacher ratio still further has to be considered in the context of competing demands for the resources available for education generally.
The number of teachers required depends on a number of variables, including the approved pupil-teacher ratio, the total enrolment, the courses being offered and the subject choices of the pupils. In the circumstances it is not possible to be precise in relation to future needs.
On the basis of projected enrolments and having regard to the current pupil-teacher ratio and education policy the projected numbers of teachers required are as follows:
|
School Year |
Teachers |
|
1994-95 |
22,504 |
|
1995-96 |
22,582 |
|
1996-97 |
22,996 |
|
1997-98 |
23,043 |
|
1998-99 |
22,878 |
|
1999-2000 |
22,716 |
|
2000-2001 |
22,437 |
