Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 November 2005
727 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the highest and lowest pupil-teacher ratios at second level in respect of second level schools throughout County Kildare; the average for the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33260/05]
View answerSignificant improvements have been made in the pupil-teacher ratio at second level in recent years. The pupil-teacher ratio has been reduced from 16:1 in the 1996-97 school year to 13.4:1 in the 2004-05 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. The other information requested by the Deputy is not readily available within my Department.
