Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 October 2014
25. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she review the pupil-teacher ratio for small rural schools in the upcoming budget; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37958/14]
View answerI am not in a position to engage with the Deputy on what may or may not be in next week's budget announcements. However I have already stated publicly that because of increasing demographics my Department requires additional resources to simply maintain existing levels of service.
I do not believe it will be possible in this budget to begin any reversal of the measures that were taken during the economic crisis. In my pre-budget discussions with the education partners I expressed the hope that continued improvement in the economy over a sustained period will take us to a position where we can make improvements in some areas.
