Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 June 2004
132 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps being taken to address the issue of overcrowding in school classes, particularly in view of recent figures from the INTO showing that over 40,000 pupils are being taught in classes of over 30 children and that a further 72,000 are learning in classes of over 25; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19495/04]
View answer144 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made to date in meeting the commitment given in An Agreed Programme for Government that maximum class size guidelines will be introduced to ensure that the average size of classes for children under nine will be below the international best practice guideline of 20:1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19487/04]
View answer166 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science the contacts he has had with the INTO since the annual conference with regard to the issue of class size. [19339/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 132, 144 and 166 together.
I have not had discussions with the INTO on the issue of class size since last April. Significant improvements have been made in the pupil-teacher ratio at primary level 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. Arising from these improvements, class sizes have reduced in the same period.
I am committed to reducing class sizes still further. This, however, can only be done on a phased basis having regard to 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.
