I should clarify that the current pupil teacher ratio is, in fact, 21.2:1. The Deputy's reference to 35:1 relates to my Department's guidelines on maximum class size for single grade classes. I should also point out that a special maximum class size of 29 already exists in the case of schools designated as disadvantaged.
Having said that, I share the Deputy's concerns in relation to the level of class sizes, and since taking office I have been determined to improve significantly the conditions in which young children learn. As I announced yesterday, the Government has agreed to the allocation of further primary teaching posts in addition to the full retention of existing teaching posts already signalled in the budget. This initiative will mean that all primary schools will operate to a maximum class of 30 pupils, and take effect from the commencement of the next school year.
The Deputy may be aware that I have ensured that the intake of trainee teachers to the colleges of education was increased to over 1,000 in the current school year. This is double the figure in the colleges at the time this Government took up office. I am committed to maintaining this level of intake over the next number of years, and I am satisfied that sufficient trained teachers will be available to meet the demands arising from the additional teaching posts being allocated.
