Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 September 2014
1273. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the cost to the State to ensure a pupil-teacher ratio of 15:1 in all primary schools for children aged nine and under, and 20:1 for children above that age category in primary school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33514/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra1343. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the cost of reducing the ratio for a fourth teacher in Gaeltacht schools from 86:4 to 76:4; the number of extra teachers that would need to be employed to do same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33770/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1273 and 1343 together.
A significant amount of analysis would be required to provide an indicative estimate for the costings requested by the Deputy. It is not possible in the time available, to undertake such an analysis. This information will be provided to the Deputy as soon as it can be gathered.
Given the current budgetary environment there is no scope in the short term to consider improvements to pupil teacher allocation ratios. My Department's focus for the forseeable future is on targeting any additional resources to cater for the continuing increase in demographics at all levels in the education system.
