Vol. 571 No. 3
168 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which his Department has examined the effect of high pupil-teacher ratios at primary level on subsequent education of the child and their chances of achieving their full potential in later life; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21758/03]
The issue of pupil-teacher ratio is under constant review by my Department as it affects the size of classes in schools and the provision of support teachers.
The ratio has decreased significantly in primary schools in recent years. For example, it fell from 26.6:1 in 1990-91 to 19:1 in 2001-02. A decrease does not automatically result in improved pupil achievements. Although the ratio fell from 29.1:1 to 22.1:1 between 1980 and 1998 no improvement was recorded in the reading achievements of fifth class pupils.
In the light of evidence from other countries that, under certain conditions, a significant reduction in class size can be beneficial in junior classes serving pupils in disadvantaged areas, my Department sanctioned the reduction of class size to 15 pupils in schools in the breaking the cycle scheme. In addition, the giving children an even break initiative allowed for junior class sizes of 20 pupils in the schools with the greatest levels of educational disadvantage.
