Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 May 2016
142. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated cost of reducing the pupil-teacher ratio in primary schools by one pupil, two pupils, three pupils, four pupils and five pupils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12189/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra145. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated cost of reducing the pupil-teacher ratio in schools with DEIS status by one pupil, two pupils, three pupils, four pupils and five pupils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12192/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 142 and 145 together.
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.
Each 1 point adjustment to the staffing schedule is estimated to cost between 250-300 additional posts, at a cost of circa. €15 million-€18 million.
