Michael Bell
Ceist:94 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Education if he will outline the current pupil/teacher ratio in special national schools; if he has satisfied himself with the ratio; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Pupil/Teacher Ratio.
The current pupil/teacher ratios in special national schools are as follows: Mildly Mentally Handicapped, 15:1; Moderately Mentally Handicapped, 11:1; Physically Handicapped, 14:1; Emotionally Disturbed, 11:1; Severely Emotionally Disturbed, 8:1; Hearing Impaired, 8:1; Visually Impaired, 10:1; Multiply Handicapped, 6:1; Specific Reading Difficulties, 12:1.
The first four categories of these schools enjoyed a one unit improvement in their ratios as a result of the allocation of additional teacher resources under the Programme for Economic and Social Progress.