Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 July 2020
558. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the primary school staffing schedule will be adjusted in budget 2021 in order to commence the required reduction of class size; and in view of the fact that there was no general reduction of the schedule provided for in either budget 2019 or budget 2020. [19177/20]
View answerThe annual staffing schedule determines the allocation of teachers to schools. For the current school year, it operates on a general average of 26 pupils to every 1 teacher (26:1) which is historically the lowest ever allocation ratio at primary level.
Budget 2020 has provided for a budget of more than €11 billion for the Department of Education and Skills in 2020. This is the highest ever allocation to the sector and an increase of nearly €2 billion since 2016.
Teacher numbers at primary level have increased by almost 3,500 when comparing the 2015/16 school year with the current school year and this has led to a steady improvement in the pupil teacher ratio and average class size statistics during this period.
The latest figures in relation to pupil teacher ratio show an improved ratio of teachers to students from 16:1 to 15:1 at primary level when comparing the 2015/16 school year to the 2019/20 school year. Average class sizes at primary level improved from 24.9 to 24.1 in the same period.
I am very conscious of the staffing schedule and the need to prioritise teacher allocations in primary schools given their vital role in communities around the country. I am looking at how best to make further progress in reducing the staffing schedule in the context of the Programme for Government implementation.
