Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 February 2014
258. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated cost of each pupil-teacher ratio reduction by one in the primary and secondary sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7768/14]
View answerTeacher allocations to all schools are approved annually by my Department in accordance with established rules based on recognised pupil enrolment. The staffing schedule at primary level operates on the basis of 1 classroom teacher for an average of every 28 pupils. Teachers are allocated at post-primary level on the basis of 1 teacher for every 19 pupils (23 pupils in the case of fee-charging schools). More favourable ratios operate in DEIS schools. A yield of the order of 250 posts (€15m) at primary level and 850 posts (€55m) at post primary level is estimated for each one point adjustment to the staffing schedule.
