Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 June 2015
179. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which class sizes throughout County Kildare compare with class size averages throughout the country; the extent to which she expects to take any corrective steps in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22689/15]
View answerThe Statistics Section of my Department's website contains extensive data relating to schools at primary and post-primary level. The most recent published information relates to the 2013/2014 school year. Data in relation to the 2014/15 school year will be published later in the current school year. The criteria used for the allocation of teachers to primary schools is published annually on the website of the Department of Education and Skills. The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September. The staffing schedule operates in a clear and transparent manner and treats all similar types of schools equally irrespective of location. It currently operates on the basis of a general average of 1 classroom teacher for every 28 pupils with lower thresholds for DEIS Band 1 schools.
The configuration of classes and the deployment of classroom teachers are done at local school level.
My Department's guidance to schools is that the number of pupils in any class is kept as low as possible taking all relevant contextual factors into account (e.g. classroom accommodation, fluctuating enrolment etc.). School authorities are also requested, where possible, to use their autonomy under the staffing schedule to implement smaller class sizes for junior classes.
