Carol Nolan
Ceist:97. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to reduce pupil-teacher ratios at primary level, and the funds he will allocate to this. [10912/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 18 May 2016
Ceisteanna (97)
Freagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government has a commitment to reduce class sizes at primary level. Budget 2016 provides for a one point adjustment to the staffing allocation to primary schools, which will be implemented for the 2016/17 school year. This will see the primary staffing schedule operate on the basis of a general average of 1 classroom teacher for every 27 pupils. Lower thresholds apply for DEIS Band 1 schools, ranging from 20:1 to 24:1 depending on the type of school. The pupil teacher ratio in the current school year is 1 classroom teacher for every 28 pupils. Staffing arrangements for the 2016/17 school year are available in Circular 0007/2016, which is published on the Department website. In the next Budget I will consider the best approach to further meeting commitments in the Programme for Government.