Pupil-Teacher Ratio

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2016

Tuesday, 26 April 2016

Questions (400)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

400. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills the approximate cost that would be associated with changing the reappointment level of a second classroom teacher on island schools to eight instead of the 15 pupils, as is the case at present for schools, whose numbers dropped below eight and lost their second classroom teacher; the number of extra teachers that would have to be employed as a result of such a decision for the school year 2016-2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8343/16]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

It is estimated that 2 schools on the islands, where they are the only school on an island, would benefit from such a measure at a cost in order of €120,000 in a full year. Where it is feasible, schools with low enrolments on islands where there is more than one school of the same patronage should be encouraged to amalgamate.

As I outlined in my previous reply, resources were limited in the recent budget, but it is my view that it is open to a new Government within the next budget to consider similar measures for not only island schools but for all small remote schools.