Seymour Crawford
Question:86 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Education and Science the pupil-teacher ratio at primary level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19453/04]
View answerDáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 June 2004
86 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Education and Science the pupil-teacher ratio at primary level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19453/04]
View answerThe 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 17.35:1.
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.