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Pupil-Teacher Ratio

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 May 2018

Wednesday, 2 May 2018

Ceisteanna (94)

Joan Burton

Ceist:

94. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated cost of a reduction of one in primary school class sizes from September 2019. [19184/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The criteria used for the allocation of teaching posts is published annually on the Department website. 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. The staffing schedule also includes an appeals mechanism for schools to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeals Board.

The staffing schedule operates in a clear and transparent manner and treats all similar types of schools equally irrespective of location.

Budget 2018 includes a further one point improvement in the staffing schedule in primary schools which brings the position to the most favourable ever seen at primary level. This measure will further assist all schools at the upper end of their individual respective bands. This budget measure delivers on a commitment made in the Confidence and Supply Agreement and Programme for Government to reduce primary schools class size.

These changes will come into effect in September 2018 for the 2018/19 school year.

Each 1 point adjustment to the primary staffing schedule is estimated to cost in the region of €16.5m per annum.

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