Vol. 492 No. 7
34 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the pupil to teacher ratio in primary and secondary schools; the comparison, if any, his Department had done with pupil to teacher ratios in EU and non-EU states; if so, Ireland's rating in this regard; his views on whether it is necessary to bring about changes of a beneficial nature; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14940/98]
The pupil-teacher ratio in primary schools in the current school year is 21.7 to 1.
There is considerable data published, including OECD material, which compares pupil-teacher ratios at an international level.
By reference to OECD documentation, published in 1997 and relating to the 1995-96 school year, the pupil-teacher ratio in primary schools in Ireland is fourth highest among OECD member states.
The Deputy can be assured that the Government is committed to reducing the pupil-teacher ratio in primary schools. This commitment is consistent with An Action Programme for the Millennium which clearly prioritises primary education in allocating resources. In this regard the pupil-teacher ratio is likely to fall to 21:1 this year.
The pupil-teacher ratio at second level has improved significantly in recent years due to the allocation of additional ex-quota and concessionary posts and the application of a reduced ratio in respect of a range of new programmes which have been introduced in second level schools.
The current standard pupil-teacher ratio at second level is 19:1. However, when all pupils and teaching posts are taken into account, the actual pupil-techer ratio is currently of the order of 16:1. That said, the OECD report shows that, of 19 countries for which data were available, six countries had a higher pupil-teacher ratio at second level than that in this country.
It is my intention to continue to improve the pupil teacher ratio at second level as resources permit.
