Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Apr 2001

Vol. 534 No. 3

Written Answers. - Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

333 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the pupil-teacher ratios for each of the past five years in respect of primary and secondary levels; the amount invested by his Department in reducing these ratios; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10818/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

Over the past five years the pupil-teacher ratio at second level has reduced as follows:

1996-7	16.0
1997-8	15.6
1998-9	15.4
1999-2000	15.1
2000-2001	14.8 (Estimated)

The reduction in the ratio was achieved through the creation of an additional 1,225 posts and the retention of posts which would otherwise have been retrenched due to the fall in enrolments in the sector.

The estimated annual cost of the additional posts created at second level is £36.75 million.

The pupil-teacher ratio at primary level for each of the five years is as follows:

1996-7	22.2:1
1997-8	21.7:1
1998-9	21.1:1
1999-2000	20.3:1
2000-2001	19.6:1 (Projected)

The improved ratio was achieved by sanctioning a total of 2,604 additional teaching posts by retaining in the system posts which would otherwise have been lost due to declining enrolments, and by allocating new posts to reduce class size and to address special needs.

The estimated cost of the investment in additional posts created at primary level is approximately £78 million annually.