School Staffing

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 May 2013

Tuesday, 28 May 2013

Questions (99, 114, 115)

Denis Naughten

Question:

99. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review his policy on the staffing ratios in small rural schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25044/13]

Brendan Griffin

Question:

114. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will halt the increase of pupil requirement thresholds for teaching posts for two, three and four teacher schools at the 2012-13 academic year levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25438/13]

Brendan Griffin

Question:

115. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on whether 55 children across eight streams in just two classrooms is an acceptable scenario; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25439/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 99, 114 and 115 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. The staffing arrangements in small primary schools are considerably more favourable than other medium to larger schools. The budget measure is focused on dealing with this cost premium, on a phased basis, through progressively increasing the pupil thresholds for the allocation of classroom teachers in small primary schools. This budget measure relates to the number of teachers allocated to small primary schools and there are no plans to change it.

This Government has protected education as much as it can. 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. The value for money review of small primary school provision is at an advanced stage of preparation. I expect to publish the review and I look forward to debating its findings at that stage.