Vol. 495 No. 4
373 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on whether pupil-teacher ratio at second level was better in 1972 than in 1998; and the plans, if any, he has to systematically address the need for extra teachers at second level. [19929/98]
382 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the pupil-teacher ratio in second level schools for each year since 1970; and the reason the pupil teacher ratio twenty five years ago was better than in 1998. [20044/98]
390 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps, if any, he will take to reduce the pupil-teacher ratio in a school (details supplied) in County Meath which has 480 students and 26 teachers; and if he will make funding available in the 1998 Estimates to commence a programme to reduce these numbers. [20072/98]
392 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to reduce class size and pupil teacher ratio in second level schools; the reasons teacher appointments are now made at 19 to 1 as against 15 to 1 in 1971; and if he will make a statement on the matter. - [20074/98]
408 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to introduce a phased reduction in the ratio for teacher appointments to second-level schools to allow the schools to cater for all the needs of their students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20300/98]
421 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has for a phased reduction in the ratio for appointing teachers to second level schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20395/98]
424 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to improve staffing levels in second level schools in view of the fact that in some schools the pupil to teacher ratio in 1972 was lower than in 1998. [20399/98]
425 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to increase the number of teachers in second level school (details supplied) in County Mayo. [20400/98]
426 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to increase the number of teachers in a second level school (details supplied) in County Mayo. [20401/98]
445 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to reduce on a phased basis the ratio for appointing teachers to second level schools. [20506/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 373, 382, 390, 392, 408, 421, 424, 425, 426 and 445 together.
The pupil teacher ratio for appointment purposes in respect of ordinary enrolments in second level schools since 1970 is set out in the following table. The ratio shown does not take account of ex-quota or concessionary posts which have been a significant feature of allocations in more recent years.
A de facto ratio of 16 to 1 applies in the case of enrolments in certain programmes including leaving certificate applied, leaving certificate vocational programme, vocational preparation and training programme and PLC courses. This ratio was first introduced in 1984 in respect of VPTP courses.
When all pupils and teachers are taken into account, the pupil teacher ratio at second level in the school year 1997-98 is of the order of 15.7 to 1. The question of reducing the ratio and thereby reducing class sizes in second level schools must be considered in the context of available resources.
Pupil Teacher Ratio at Second Level for Appointment Purposes
|
Year |
Secondary |
Vocational |
Community/Comprehensive |
|
1970 |
15:1 |
17.5:1 |
19:1 |
|
1972 |
20:1 |
17.5:1 |
19:1 |
|
1977 |
19:1 |
16.5:1 |
18:1 |
|
1983 |
20:1 |
17-19:1 |
18-20:1 |
|
1988 |
20:1 |
20:1 |
20:1 |
|
1991 |
19.5:1 |
19.5:1 |
19.5:1 |
|
1992 |
19.25:1 |
19.25:1 |
19.25:1 |
|
1993 to date |
19:1 |
19:1 |
19:1 |
