I propose to take Questions Nos. 648 and 649 together.
The Revised Programme for Government commits the Government to no further increase in the pupil teacher ratio in primary and second level schools for the lifetime of this Government. Under the revised programme we will provide 500 teaching posts between primary and second levels over the next three years. My Department will be consulting with the education partners in relation to the allocation of these additional posts.
Given the current financial situation the country faces, it is imperative that we deploy staff and other resources in the most effective way across the education sector.