Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 September 2021
372. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Education when Budget 2022 is being framed, if she will ensure adequate funding is allocated to primary schools in order to be able to fund a reduction in class sizes, allow teaching principals adequate time to carry out management duties and increase school running costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44715/21]
View answer376. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Education if she will ensure that adequate funding is allocated to primary schools in order to fund a reduction in class sizes, allow teaching principals adequate time to carry out management duties and increase school running costs when Budget 2022 is being framed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44889/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 372 and 376 together.
Under the Programme for Government there is a commitment to make further progress in reducing the pupil teacher ratios in primary schools and supporting small schools.
As part of the Budget 2021 measures, the Government have sought to deliver on this commitment by the announcement of a 1 point change to the primary staffing schedule and the introduction of a three point reduction in the number of pupils needed to retain a teacher. For the 2021/22 school year the staffing schedule is on the basis of 1 teacher for every 25 pupils.
The latest figures in relation to pupil teacher ratio shows an improved ratio of teachers to pupils from 16:1 to 14.5:1 at primary level when comparing the 2015/16 school year to the 2020/21 school year. Average class sizes improved from 24.9 to 23.3 in the same period. The most recent budget announcement will continue the positive trend of improving class sizes.
The staffing schedule which now stands at a new historical low will also help to ensure better teacher retention in primary schools while also ensuring that less pupils are required to retain or recruit a teacher.
As part of the COVID-19 supports provided to schools, specific funding was provided to support Principals and who undertake teaching duties in primary schools. This funding provided each teaching principal with a minimum of one release day per week. Schools have been advised that this measure will remain in place for the 2021/22 school year.
Budget 2020 provided for a further 2.5% increase in standard capitation funding for primary and post primary schools that applied from the start of the 2020/21 school year. This builds on the 5% increase in capitation announced in Budget 2019. The combined increases given in 2019 and 2020 mean that circa 40% restoration will be achieved. It is my intention to seek funding for further capitation increases in future budgets.
The COVID-19 capitation grant will also continue to be the mechanism through which further additional funding will be provided to cater for school costs related to hand hygiene measures, PPE requirements and enhanced cleaning supports. All schools will have received this funding before the end of the week.
