Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 November 2004
238 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the pupil-teacher ratios at primary level in the greater Dublin area; her plans to improve this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30879/04]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is not readily available.
Significant improvements have been made in the pupil-teacher ratio at primary level in recent years. In the 2003-04 school year the ratio for the country as a whole was 17.44:1 compared to 22.2:1 in the 1996-97 school year.
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 and junior classes.
239 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the pupil-teacher ratios at second level schools in the greater Dublin area; her plans to improve this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30880/04]
View answerThe information requested is currently being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
The pupil-teacher ratio at second level has improved significantly in recent years. The most up to date statistical data indicate that the ratio has fallen from 16.0:1 to 13.6:1 in the period from 1996-97 to 2003-04.
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.
