Michael Finucane
Question:70 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Education and Science the target he has set for class size over the next five years at primary level. [25215/99]
Written Answers. - Class Size.
The Deputy may be aware that I have introduced a range of initiatives to help reduce the average class size in primary schools since taking up office. They include the introduction of a maximum general class size guideline of 30 in ordinary schools for the 1999-2000 school year.
A maximum general class size guideline of 29 operates in all primary schools designated as disadvantaged.
The question of further improvements in the general maximum class size in the next five years will be considered in the context of available resources and the decline in the demographic dividend.