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Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2004

Tuesday, 18 May 2004

Questions (72)

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

82 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will address the issue of overcrowding in school classes; if his attention has been drawn to the new figures from the INTO showing that over 40,000 pupils are being taught in classes of more than 30 children and that a further 72,000 are learning in classes of more than 25; the way in which the failure to reduce class sizes in recent times rests with his commitment to tackle educational disadvantage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14332/04]

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Written answers

I am aware of the issues raised by the INTO in relation to class size at primary level. The staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous year. The number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule and is finalised for a particular school year following discussions between my officials and the education partners. The overall maximum class size in primary schools by reference to the staffing schedule has been reduced from 35 in the 1995-96 school year to 29 in the 2002-2003 school year. The staffing schedule for the current school year is structured to ensure that all primary schools will operate to an average mainstream class size of 29 pupils. School authorities should ensure that there is an equitable distribution of pupils in mainstream classes and that the differential between the largest and smallest classes is kept to a minimum.

The pupil teacher ratio at primary level has improved significantly in recent years. The ratio has fallen from 22.2:1 in the 1996-97 school year to 18.0:1 in the 2002-03 school year. The projected ratio for the current school year is 17.44:1.

In line with Government policy, my Department will continue to provide further reductions in the pupil teacher ratio within available resources and subject to spending priorities within the education sector. Priority will be given to pupils with special needs and those from disadvantaged areas.

Since my appointment as Minister for Education and Science, I have made it clear at every opportunity that addressing educational disadvantage is my top priority. It is my intention to ensure that available educational resources are targeted at the most disadvantaged people in the education system at all levels.

Some 311 designated disadvantaged schools have 293 concessionary teaching posts, which are not determined by reference to enrolment. Class sizes in 32 schools are considered for staffing with reduced pupil teacher ratios of 15:1 in junior and 27:1 in senior classes and 209 schools are considered for staffing with reduced pupil teacher ratios of 20:1 in junior classes and 27:1 in senior classes. These ratios remain unchanged for the 2004-05 school year.

In 2003 more than €70 million was provided by my Department for disadvantaged programmes at primary level, aimed at ensuring that children from disadvantaged backgrounds are given the opportunity to maximise their potential within the education system.

A detailed review of education disadvantage schemes is nearing completion and this will impact on existing schemes. I hope to announce the outcome of this review shortly.

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