Simon Coveney
Question:108 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the pupil-teacher ratio in schools which are designated as disadvantaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19456/04]
View answerWednesday, 30 June 2004
Questions (48)
Written answers
With regard to staffing provision for disadvantage at primary level, a range of existing additional supports will continue to be provided in 2004-05. These supports will involve the provision of over 600 additional teaching posts enabling the implementation of significantly reduced PTRs in both junior and senior classes. More than 312 designated disadvantaged primary schools will have over 290 concessionary teaching posts, which are not determined by reference to enrolment, and 32 urban primary schools prioritised for participation in the Breaking the Cycle programme from 1996-97 will continue to benefit from reduced pupil-teacher ratios of 15:1 in junior classes and 27:1 in senior classes. A further 211 urban primary schools prioritised under the Giving Children an Even Break programme will continue to benefit from reduced pupil-teacher ratios of 20:1 in junior classes and 27:1 in senior classes. At post-primary level, 203 designated disadvantaged post-primary schools will have over 220 concessionary teaching posts, which are not determined by reference to enrolment, in 2004-05.
Since my appointment as Minister for Education and Science, I have made it clear that addressing educational disadvantage is my top priority. It is my intention to continue to ensure that additional supports are targeted at this area. A detailed review of all education disadvantage schemes is nearing completion and this will impact on existing schemes. I hope to announce the outcome of this review shortly.