Seán Barrett
Ceist:14 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on whether a maximum class size should be introduced at primary level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21712/97]
Written Answers. - Class Sizes.
Seán Barrett
Ceist:45 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on whether a maximum class size should be introduced at primary level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21711/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 45 together.
Maximum class size guidelines do exist throughout the primary school system. The existing maximum class size guidelines are as follows: 35 pupils in the case of a single class unit; 34 pupils in the case of two consecutive classes; 31 pupils in the case of a multi-class unit; and 29 pupils in any unit in schools designated as disadvantaged.
The maximum class size guideline for one-teacher schools with more than four standards is 28. In addition, there are lower class sizes for schools participating in pilot programmes. While the allocation of teachers to classes is, of course, the responsibility of the school principal and board of management, maximum class size guidelines aim to ensure that schools do not have excessively large classes.
Information available for statistical returns submitted to my Department by schools suggests that there are classes in breach of these guidelines. I should also point out to the Deputy that very many schools have classes which are much smaller than the maxima. It is important to emphasise, however, that, where maximum class size guidelines are breached in a particular class or classes in a school, this decision is often taken within the school to facilitate much smaller classes elsewhere in the same school. Where schools are unable to organise their classes within the recommended maxima, they may apply to my Department for the appointment of an additional teacher.