Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Nov 1997

Vol. 482 No. 3

Written Answers. - Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Tony Killeen

Question:

422 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools with enrolment of 20 or more pupils at 30 September 1997 which have the service of only one permanent teacher for the school year 1997-98; and the plans, if any, for these schools in the school year 1998-99. [18148/97]

Tony Killeen

Question:

423 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools with enrolment of less than 20 pupils at 30 September 1997 which have two permanent teachers for the school year 1997-1998. [18149/97]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 422 and 423 together.

Details on the number of primary schools with an enrolment of 20 or more pupils, or an enrolment of less than 20 pupils on 30 September 1997 are not yet available in my Department.

An Action Programme for the Millennium contains a commitment to give primary education a clear priority in the allocation of resources. The programme specifically states that one teacher schools with ten or more pupils will receive a second teacher.

I am currently examining a range of options with a view to identifying appropriate ways to fulfil this commitment.