Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 8 Jun 2000

Vol. 520 No. 5

Written Answers. - Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

47 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans he has for ongoing improvement of pupil-teacher ratios in both primary and second level schools; if particular attention will be given to vulnerable or disadvantaged areas; if objectives have been set with a view to achieving targets within a specific period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16169/00]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

193 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has satisfied himself with the current progress in the reduction of pupil-teacher ratios; if he has any plans to further improve matters in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16305/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 47 and 193 together.

The Deputy will be aware that an additional 1000 teaching posts will be created at second level in the 2000-01 school year. A proportion of these posts is being provided to facilitate the reduction from 19:1 to 18:1 in the pupil teacher ratio for appointment purposes which I recently announced.

The actual pupil teacher ratio at second level has been reduced significantly in recent years. The creation of the additional posts, combined with an anticipated fall in enrolments, will result in a further reduction in the actual pupil teacher ratio in the sector.

The pupil teacher ratio at primary level has also reduced significantly in recent years. In the current school year the pupil teacher ratio is 20.4:1. The retention of the posts arising from the demographic dividend for the current year will further reduce the PTR.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I am allocating an additional 200 teaching posts at primary level for the 2000-2001 school year to specifically deal with disadvantage.

Under the terms of the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness an additional 900 teaching posts will be created at primary level and 400 at second level. These additional posts will further reduce the PTR at both primary and second level over the period of the programme.