Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 February 2022
520. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which she is determined to improve pupil-teacher ratios in all primary and second-level schools throughout the country; the progress anticipated in this regard in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5127/22]
View answerUnder the Programme for Government there is a commitment to seek to make further progress in reducing the pupil teacher ratios in primary schools.
At primary level, the annual staffing schedule determines the allocation of teachers to schools. The current allocation is on an average ratio of 1 classroom teacher for every 25 pupils. Budget 2022 has implemented a further 1 point reduction for the 2022/23 school year so that primary schools will be allocated teaching posts on an average basis of 1 classroom teacher for every 24 pupils in September 2022. Lower thresholds apply to DEIS Urban Band 1 schools which will also benefit from the improvement to the staffing schedule next year.
This Budget measure has brought the teacher allocation ratio in all primary schools to the lowest ever seen at primary level.
At post primary level, teachers are currently allocated at a ratio of 19:1 in the free education system and 23:1 to schools in the fee charging sector.
