Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:447 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education the number of primary teachers currently in service; and the estimated number required in 1996 to fulfil the Government's commitment to a maximum class size of 29 pupils.
Written Answers. - Primary Teacher Numbers.
There are 20,800 teachers employed in primary schools. A number of factors will determine the number of teachers required to achieve the targets outlined in the Programme for a Partnership Government. These include the number of pupils enrolled in the years 1993 to 1996, and the total enrolment in primary schools in 1996.
It is anticipated, however, that the targets outlined in the programme can be achieved by retaining the number of primary teachers at present levels.