Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Nov 1999

Vol. 509 No. 6

Written Answers. - Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

John Bruton

Question:

568 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the concerns raised by the board of management of Dunboyne junior and senior primary schools, County Meath, regarding discrepancies in the retention figures between primary schools and gaelscoileanna for 1999-2000 school year; the reason for this discrepancy, if any; his views on whether the situation is fair; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21248/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I must acknowledge to the Deputy that gaelscoileanna have traditionally enjoyed a more favourable overall pupil teacher ratio than that which applies in all other mainstream primary schools. The rationale for this lies in the desire to cultivate and rejuvenate the Irish language within Irish society. Successive governments have adhered to this policy over the years.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I have recently decided to apply the staffing schedule for the retention of teaching posts in all-Irish schools to schools in Gaeltacht areas where teaching is through the medium of Irish. This took effect from the commencement of the 1999-2000 school year. The managerial authorities of the schools that will benefit from the implementation of this concession in the 1999-2000 school year were notified recently. I would also draw the Deputy's attention to the significant improvements which I made earlier this year in the pupil teacher ratio in mainstream primary schools.