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Pupil-Teacher Ratio

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 July 2020

Thursday, 30 July 2020

Questions (49)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

49. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Education and Skills her views on whether underfunding of the educational system by successive Governments resulting in the largest average class size in the EU represents the single biggest obstacle to a safe return to schools which has already been achieved across most of Europe; if the matter will be address on a permanent basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19288/20]

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Written answers

On 27 July, my Department published the report to Government “Reopening Our Schools, The Roadmap for the Full Return to School”.

This Roadmap set outs how schools will fully reopen for all students from the end of August, and what the operation of our schools will look like and be sustainable in a COVID-19 context.  It has been developed in line with public health advice issued by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), the Roadmap for Society and Business, and follows comprehensive and intensive engagement with education stakeholders including the school management bodies and staff representatives.

The 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.

In respect of Covid-19 where schools experience difficulties in implementing physical distancing additional support measures will be considered. 

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