Pupil-Teacher Ratio

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 February 2017

Tuesday, 21 February 2017

Questions (221)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

221. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if, with regard to the staffing schedules outlined in the DEIS programme, his attention has been drawn to the consequences of applying the pupil-teacher ratio of 20:1 in existing junior DEIS band 1 schools that currently retain additional teaching posts which allow a pupil-teacher ratio of 15:1 in junior classes, a legacy of previous enlightened schemes. [8571/17]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The recommended class size for urban primary schools in the DEIS Band 1 category was  20 to 1 in junior and 24:1 in senior classes under the 2005 plan. This provision remains unchanged in the current plan subject to an evaluation of teaching resources for schools participating in DEIS to be undertaken to inform future policy in the Irish context.

The relevant actions in the DEIS Plan 2017 are Actions 27, 28 and 29.