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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 25 Nov 1998

Vol. 497 No. 3

Written Answers - Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Noel Ahern

Ceist:

199 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of pupils and teachers in St. Mary's secondary school, Glasnevin, Dublin 1; if the pupil-teacher ratio is significantly different from other schools in the area; the changes in the pupil-teacher ratio for secondary schools over the past 20 years; the reason the situation in this school is worse than it was in 1972; the plans, if any, he has to improve this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25140/98]

There are 490 pupils and 31.75 wholetime equivalent teachers in St. Mary's secondary school, Glasnevin, Dublin 11, giving a pupil-teacher ratio in the school of 15.95 : 1. The pupil-teacher ratio for appointment purposes in respect of ordinary enrolments in second level schools since 1970 is set out in the table below. The ratio shown does not take account of ex quota or concessionary posts.

A de facto ratio of 16 : 1 applies in the case of enrolments in certain programmes including leaving certificate applied, leaving certificate vocational programme, vocational preparation and training programme and PLC courses. This ratio was first introduced in 1984 in respect of VPTP courses. When all pupils and teachers are taken into account, the actual pupil teacher ratio at second level in the 1997-8 school year was of the order of 15.64 : 1 and is anticipated to reduce further this year.

School authorities may apply for an increase in the approved teacher allocation to cater for particular circumstances. Applications of this nature are considered under the curricular appeal process and each case is considered on its merits. As the Deputy will appreciate, additional resources must be considered in light of overall fiscal policy.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio at Second Level.

Year

Secondary

Vocational

Community-Comprehensive

1977

19:1

16.5:1

18:1

1983

20:1

17-19:1

18-20:1

1988

20:1

20:1

20:1

1991

19.5:1

19.5:1

19.5:1

1992

19.25:1

19.25:1

19.25:1

1993 to date

19:1

19:1

19:1

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