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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Oct 1998

Vol. 495 No. 4

Written Answers. - Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Paul McGrath

Question:

383 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the pupil-teacher ratio in primary schools for each year since 1970; and the proposals, if any, he has to improve these figures over the next three years. [20045/98]

It may not be possible to provide all the information the Deputy has requested due to the length of time involved. However, officials of my Department will examine the position and revert directly to the Deputy with details of the information which is accessible.

The Deputy will be aware that this Government is committed to giving a clear priority to primary education in allocating resources, as outlined in An Action Programme for the Millennium. For the current school year, I have effected significant improvements in the pupil teacher ratio by retaining all teaching posts which had become surplus as a result of falling enrolments. I am committed to further reducing the pupil teacher ratio in primary schools over the next three years.

Michael Creed

Question:

384 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps, if any, he will take to reduce the pupil-teacher ratio in primary schools. [20046/98]

There has been a substantial drop in the pupil teacher ratio in primary schools over the past number of years. In the 1992-93 school year, the pupil teacher ratio was 25.2 to 1 while the projected ratio in the current school year is 21.2 to 1.

In line with the Government's commitment in An Action Programme for the Millennium to give primary education a clear priority in allocating resources, I am currently considering a range of options with a view to identifying how best to fulfil the Government's commitment in this regard. The matter of further improvements in the pupil-teacher ratio will be addressed as part of this overall process.

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