Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 14 May 1992

Vol. 419 No. 7

Written Answers. - Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Mervyn Taylor

Ceist:

59 Mr. Taylor asked the Minister for Education if he will outline the pupil-teacher ratio in primary schools at present and for each of the past five years; if he will outline his views on the trend indicated; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Mr. S. Brennan)

The pupil-teacher ratio at primary level was 27.5: 1 in the 1988/89 school year and following successive improvements in the staffing appointment/retention schedule has been reduced to 25.8: 1 in the current school year.

As part of the agreement reached under theProgramme for Economic and Social Progress my Department will implement a further improvement in the staffing schedule for the appointment and retention of teachers in National Schools from 1 September 1992. These arrangements aim to reduce the pupil-teacher ratio to 25.2: 1 for the 1992/93 school year. The improved schedule allows for a further reduction in class sizes and improved retention bands for schools with four teachers or less.