I propose to take Questions Nos. 445 and 485 to 487, inclusive, together.
I accept in principle that reduction in class size will benefit younger pupils particularly for minority-disadvantaged groups. However, there is a need to concentrate on the quality and manner of teaching as well as class size in order to achieve the benefits.
Significant improvements have been made in the pupil teacher ratio at both primary and post-primary levels in recent years. At primary level, the ratio has fallen from 22.2:1 in the 1996-97 school year to 17.44:1 in the 2003-04 school year. At post-primary level the pupil teacher ratio was reduced from 16:1 to 13.6:1 in the same period.
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, those from disadvantaged areas and those in junior classes.