Vol. 504 No. 5
161 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps, if any, he will take to alleviate overcrowding in practical and general subjects at second level schools; if his attention has been drawn to the results of a recent survey in second level schools; the plans, if any, he has to reduce class size in the subject areas worse affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12327/99]
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.
The Deputy will be aware that an additional 225 teaching posts will be created in second level schools for the 1999-2000 school year. In addition, a retention ratio of 18:1 is being applied which will result in schools being allowed to retain teachers who might otherwise have been redeployed. When all pupils and teachers are taken into account, it is anticipated that the pupil-teacher ratio at second level for the 1999-2000 school year will be reduced to roughly 15:1.
I wish to assure the Deputy that the question of further reducing the pupil-teacher ratio and thereby reducing class sizes, will be kept under review in the context of available resources.
