Pupil-Teacher Ratio

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 October 2013

Tuesday, 1 October 2013

Ceisteanna (285)

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

285. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will pursue all possible avenues to avoid increasing the pupil-teacher ratio in primary schools in budget 2014 due to, for example, the fact that such a mooted change would see a six teacher school reduced to a five teacher school with teachers shared between eight classes, meaning class sizes increasing from the mid-20s to an average of 31 or 32 children per classroom, which would have a significant impact on such students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41095/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

The budget for education, including the number of teaching posts that we can afford to fund in schools is a matter that I will have to consider with my colleagues in Cabinet in the context of the forthcoming budget. The decisions in relation to such matters will be announced at budget time. The Government will endeavour to protect front-line education services as best as possible. However, this must be done within the context of bringing our overall public expenditure into line with what we can afford as a country. The challenge will be to ensure that the resources that can be provided are used to maximum effect to achieve the best possible outcome for pupils.