Vol. 497 No. 6
58 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Education and Science the measures, if any, he proposes to introduce in 1999 to reduce the pupil-teacher ratio at primary level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25825/98]
74 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, to reduce the pupil-teacher ratio at second level in 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25826/98]
110 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make any substantial improvements in the pupil-teacher ratio at primary and second level schools in the near future with particular reference to local need, disadvantaged areas and the ongoing need to improve the educational opportunities of children generally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25798/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 58, 74 and 110 together.
The pupil teacher ratio in primary schools declined from 25.2 to 1 in the 1992-3 school year to 21.7 to 1 in the 1997-8 school year. While the exact pupil teacher ratio in the current year is not yet determined, it is anticipated that the ratio has declined further to approximately 21.2.
The actual pupil teacher ratio at second level in the 1997-8 school year was 15.64 to 1 and it is anticipated that it will reduce further for the current year.
I am currently considering a range of options with a view to determining the most appropriate ways to effect still further improvements within both the primary and second level sectors. The Deputies can be assured that the matter of further improvements to the pupil teacher ratios in both sectors and the provision for special needs pupils will rank highly in these deliberations.
