Michael Creed
Ceist:166 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education the reason for the difference in the pupil-teacher ratio between Gaelscoileanna and other national schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13163/96]
Written Answers. - Pupil-Teacher Ratios.
The reason for the more favourable pupil-teacher ratio in primary Gaelscoileanna as compared with primary mainstream schools is because of the importance which the Government attributes to the Irish language.
However, I would point out to the Deputy that I am committed to reducing the pupil-teacher ratio in mainstream primary schools generally. Since taking office I have reduced the pupil-teacher ratio from 25.2:1 to 22.9.1.
Michael Creed
Ceist:167 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education the pupil-teacher ratio in the primary sector for each of the years 1980, 1985, 1990, 1992, 1994 and 1996. [13164/96]
The data requested by the Deputy are as follows:
Pupil-Teacher Ratio in Primary Schools.
|
School-Year |
Pupil-Teacher Ratio |
|
1979-80 |
28.8 |
|
1984-85 |
27.0 |
|
1989-90 |
27.2 |
|
1991-92 |
25.8 |
|
1993-94 |
24.3 |
The pupil-teacher ratio in respect of the 1995-96 school year is not yet available. The pupil-teacher ratio for the 1994-95 school year is 23.5.