Seán Fleming
Ceist:124. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans for and when he will reduce class sizes in primary schools to 20; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16524/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 16 June 2016
Ceisteanna (124)
Freagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government has a commitment to reduce class sizes at primary level.
The staffing schedule at primary level currently operates on the basis of 1 classroom teacher for every 28 pupils.
Budget 2016 provides for a one point improvement 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. 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.