Vol. 415 No. 9
59 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education if he will outline the non-pay elements relating to (1) first level education, (2) second level education and (3) third level education which were affected by the revision of the Programme for Economic and Social Progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Under the divisions made in the Programme for Economic and Social Progress: the pupil/teacher ratio in national schools will be reduced to 25.2 to 1 in 1992 with a further reduction to 25 to 1 in 1993; the pupil/teacher ratio in post primary schools will be reduced from 19.5 to 1 to 19 to 1 over two years beginning in 1992-93; the additional provision for inservice training will be £265,000; the allocation to combat disadvantage in 1992 has been increased by £250,000; and the phased arrangements to provide caretaking and clerical services in primary and post primary schools will commence in September 1992. An additional allocation of £250,000 has been made in 1992 for central and support services in vocational education committee colleges. Specific additional provision for upgrading of substandard buildings has not been made. These needs will be addressed to the extent possible within the existing capital allocation.
