Vol. 574 No. 2
104 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when he expects to achieve optimum conditions in terms of an adequate pupil-teacher ratio and support services to ensure equal opportunity in educational terms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26554/03]
The pupil-teacher ratio at both primary and second levels have improved significantly in recent years. At primary level the ratio has fallen from 22.2:1 in the 1996-97 school year to 18.0:1 in the 2002-03 school year while at second level the ratio has fallen from 16.0:1 to 13.6:1 in the same period. In line with Government policy, my Department will continue to provide 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 areas.
