Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 November 2004
260 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the pupils of the first class at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 9 are in classes of 33, 32 and 31 and the teacher’s workload has increased by 18% due to these high numbers; if action will be taken to assist this school with adequate resources; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27369/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year. This is in accordance with guidelines agreed between my Department and the education partners. The enrolment in the school referred to by the Deputy at 30 September 2003 was 369 pupils, which warrants a staffing of principal plus 13 mainstream posts for the 2004-05 school year. The school also has a learning support post. Significant improvements have been made in the pupil-teacher ratio at primary level in recent years. The ratio has fallen from 22.2:1 in the 1996-97 school year to 17.44:1 in the 2003-04 school year. Arising from these improvements, class sizes have reduced in the same period. The staffing schedule for the current school year is structured to ensure all primary schools will operate to an average mainstream class size of 29 pupils.
School authorities should ensure there is an equitable distribution of pupils in mainstream classes and that the differential between the largest and smallest classes is kept to a minimum. I am committed to reducing class sizes further. This, however, can only be done on a phased basis and priority will be given to pupils with special needs and those from disadvantaged areas and junior classes. I have requested my Department's inspectorate to monitor the deployment of staff and class sizes and, where necessary, to discuss with school authorities the basis on which school policy decisions in this regard have been made and to report to my Department, where appropriate.
