Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Jan 1995

Vol. 447 No. 11

Written Answers. - Class Sizes.

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

178 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Education the total number of children in classes of each of the size bands, 0-9, 10-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39 and 40 and over; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1389/95]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The information sought by the Deputy is provided in the following table.

Number of pupils enrolled in ordinary classes in National Schools in 1993-94 according to class size.

Class Size	Number of Pupils
0 — 9	403
10 — 19	24,753
20 — 24	68,497
25 — 29	145,185
30 — 34	162,579
35 — 39	86,946
40 and over	5,959
Total	494,322

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the general maximum class size guidelines for ordinary schools were improved by two units for the 1994-95 school year. The current maximum class size guidelines are: Single Grade Class Group, 37; Class Group with two Consecutive Grades, 35; Multi-grade Class Group, 33. A maximum class size of 29 now applies for all schools classified as disadvantaged.