Pupil-Teacher Ratio

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 October 2012

Tuesday, 9 October 2012

Questions (89, 118)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

89. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he is open to receive proposals on alternative budgetary adjustment measures in the primary education sector that would allow for planned pupil threshold figure increases for small schools to be halted, particularly to avoid scenarios in the 2013/14 academic year, where up to 55 children across eight streams would qualify for only two teachers and 85 children across eight streams would qualify for only three teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42640/12]

Denis Naughten

Question:

118. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review his policy on the staffing ratios of small rural schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42643/12]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 89 and 118 together.

The Deputies will be aware that in the context of Budget 2012, I announced a three year phased adjustment to increase the relevant pupil thresholds for small schools with four teachers or less. I have recently made clear to the House in the context of pre-budget discussions at committee level that there is no change proposed to the pupil teacher ratios in small schools. They are as they were announced and we are not doing anything more in that area. In these extremely challenging times, all public servants are being asked to deliver our public services on a reduced level of resources and teachers in small schools cannot be immune from this requirement.

Question No. 90 answered with Question No. 80.