Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 September 2016
272. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding school class sizes and funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26966/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government has a commitment to reduce class sizes at primary level and to commencing a review of teacher appointment thresholds in small schools with four teachers or less.
The criteria used for the allocation of teachers to primary schools is published annually on the website of the Department of Education and Skills. The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September.
Budget 2012 increased the appointment and retention ratios for small schools (i.e., schools with up to four classroom teachers). Improvements to the staffing of these schools were announced for the 2015/16 school year. These improvements are improved retention thresholds for the second, third and fourth classroom teacher and also the improved appointment and retention thresholds for one-teacher schools situated 8 km or more from the nearest school of the same type of patronage and/or language of instruction.
In addition, Budget 2016 announced a one-point improvement to the primary staffing schedule which has been implemented for the current school year.
The forthcoming budget will provide an opportunity to consider the best approach to further meeting commitments in the Programme for Government.
