Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 17 Jun 1999

Vol. 506 No. 4

Written Answers. - Class Sizes.

Ivor Callely

Question:

45 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science the average national school class size in the Dublin area; the comparison figures in the rural areas; the target figure to reduce class sizes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15001/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The most recent available statistics show that, in the 1997-98 school year, the average national school class size for the Dublin city and county area was 27.47. The average class size for the rest of the country was 25.62 for the same period.

I should point out that these are regional averages, and that many individual schools would have average class sizes well in excess of these figures. However, as a result of the substantial improvements which I announced earlier this year, there will be significant reductions in class sizes generally in the 1999-2000 school year. The newly announced staffing schedule has been structured to enable all schools to operate to a maximum class average of 30 pupils. Schools in all areas will benefit from this new schedule.

I assure the Deputy that, while there is no specific target figure for class sizes, I am committed to implementing further reductions in class sizes over the next number of years which will benefit schools in all locations.