Vol. 550 No. 4
680 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science the pupil teacher ratio in first and second level schools; the way in which such ratios compare with other EU member states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8339/02]
The pupil-teacher ratios in first and second level schools, relating to the 1999-2000 school year, are as follows: First Level, 20.3; Second Level, 14.8.
The most recently published international comparison of pupil-teacher ratios relates to the 1998-99 school year. The table following provides data on pupil-teacher ratios at primary and second level in 1998-99 in European countries for which comparable information is readily available. The country means at OECD, European and EU levels are also provided.
Although the pupil-teacher ratio in Ireland is still above the average for European and OECD countries at primary level, it has been reduced very significantly at this level over the last decade leading to a considerable narrowing of the gap with the rest of Europe and the OECD. Furthermore, at second level, the pupil-teacher ratio is now approaching the OECD average having been reduced systematically over recent years.
In line with Government policy, my Department will continue to provide for further reductions in the pupil-teacher ratio within available resources and subject to spending priorities within the education sector. Priority will be given to pupils with special needs and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Ratio of Students to Teaching Staff in some European Countries (1998-99)
For all types of institutions (based on full-time equivalents)
|
Primary Level |
Second Level |
|
|
Austria |
14.5 |
9.8 |
|
Belgium (Flanders) |
13.9 |
8.8 |
|
Czech Republic |
23.4 |
14.7 |
|
Denmark |
10.6 |
12.4 |
|
Finland |
17.4 |
13.5 |
|
France |
19.6 |
12.8 |
|
Germany |
21.0 |
15.2 |
|
Greece |
13.5 |
10.6 |
|
Hungary |
10.9 |
10.6 |
|
Iceland |
13.3 |
*** |
|
Ireland |
21.6 |
15.4** |
|
Italy |
11.3 |
10.3 |
|
Luxembourg |
12.5 |
9.9 |
|
Netherlands |
16.6 |
17.7 |
|
Primary Level |
Second Level |
|
|
Norway |
12.6 |
*** |
|
Slovak Republic |
19.6 |
13.6 |
|
Spain |
15.4 |
12.9 |
|
Sweden |
13.3 |
14.5 |
|
Switzerland |
16.1 |
12.3 |
|
Turkey |
30.0 |
16.1 |
|
United Kingdom |
22.5 |
14.7 |
|
OECD mean* |
18.0 |
14.6 |
|
European mean* |
16.7 |
12.9 |
|
EU mean* |
16.0 |
12.7 |
