Cecilia Keaveney
Question:83 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the appropriate numbers of children a junior infants class should contain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12521/99]
Written Answers. - Class Sizes.
As a result of the improvements in the staffing schedule which I recently announced, all primary schools will operate to a maximum class average of 30 pupils in the 1999/2000 school year. This represents a major step forward in reducing class sizes, including junior infant classes, and I am committed to introducing further improvements over the next number of years.
Cecilia Keaveney
Question:84 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the staffing schedule in the primary level sector over the next few years; and if he will make a statement on the way in which he will proceed. [12522/99]
I have made a major improvement in primary school class sizes in respect of the school year 1999-2000. Under this new improved staffing schedule, all primary schools will operate to a maximum class average of 30 pupils which will dramatically cut the number of overcrowded classes in primary schools. I have not yet begun to address the staffing schedule changes for the next few years. In conjunction with the officials of my Department, I will monitor the impact of the 1999-2000 staffing schedule and seek ways to target additional resources to areas most in need.