andMr. Fox asked the Minister for Education if he will state, in respect of the latest year for which figures are available, the average number of pupils per teacher in national schools; and what number of pupils per teacher is considered satisfactory in such schools.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - National School Pupils.
48.
The average number of pupils per teacher in national schools for the school year 1970-71 was 32. A ratio which would ensure that there would not be more than 35 pupils in any class would be considered satisfactory.
Is it not a fact that there are a very large number of classes with up to and over 50 pupils in the national schools?
The number of classes with over 50 pupils are being reduced. As the Deputy is aware, the question I was asked was about the average and I gave the average. I pointed out on many occasions here that through training more teachers, amalgamating small schools and accepting teachers trained elsewhere, we are endeavouring to reduce the numbers in the large classes.