Vol. 494 No. 4
433 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps, if any, he is taking to effect a significant improvement in the pupil teacher ratio at primary level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18556/98]
The pupil-teacher ratio has been reduced this year from 21.7:1 to 21.2:1.
The Deputy will be aware that An Action Programme for the Millennium contains a commitment to give primary education a clear priority in allocating resources. I am examining a range of measures, including the entire matter of the pupil-teacher ratio, with a view to identifying how best to fulfil the Government's commitments as set out in An Action Programme for the Millennium.
