Vol. 471 No. 6
37 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education if she has satisfied herself that equality exists in the pupil/teacher ratio within gaelscoileanna and national schools; and, if not, the action, if any, she proposes to take in this regard. [18970/96]
The allocation of posts to primary gaelscoileanna is determined by reference to a schedule which differs from that used for allocating posts to mainstream primary schools. The effect of the differential staffing schedules is that the pupil-teacher ratio in gaelscoileanna is more favourable than that which applies to mainstream schools.
In applying a different schedule to gaelscoileanna, I am continuing a practice which has been in operation for many years. However, I would point out to the Deputy that I am committed to reducing the pupil-teacher ratio in mainstream primary schools generally. In this context, since taking office I have reduced the pupil-teacher ratio from 25.2:1 to 22.9:1 in the 1995-96 school year. It is expected that the pupil-teacher ratio will be further reduced to approximately 22.5:1 in the present school year.
