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Pupil-Teacher Ratio

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 June 2021

Wednesday, 16 June 2021

Questions (142, 143)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

142. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education the estimated full-year cost of reducing the pupil teacher ratio by two at primary level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32369/21]

View answer

Catherine Connolly

Question:

143. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education the estimated full-year cost of lowering primary school class sizes by two students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32370/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 142 and 143 together.

At primary level, 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). Budget 2021 has implemented a further 1 point reduction for the 2021/22 school year so that primary schools will be allocated teaching posts on an average basis of 1 classroom teacher for every 25 pupils. Lower thresholds apply to DEIS Urban Band 1 schools. In addition, there has been a three point reduction in the retention schedule, which will assist schools that would otherwise be at risk of losing teaching posts.

Each one point adjustment to the primary staffing schedule would cost approximately €14.5m annually.

The configuration of classes and the deployment of classroom teachers are done at local school level. The 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.).

Question No. 143 answered with Question No. 142.
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