Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 March 2019
120. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the degree to which class sizes, the pupil-teacher ratio and overcrowding at primary and second-level throughout County Kildare and nationally is being addressed; the way in which this will manifest itself in the context of a campus (details supplied) with particular reference to the need to restart the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11254/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2018/19 school year saw an increase of over 6,000 teaching posts in our schools compared to the 2015/16 school year.
The Statistic's Section of my Department's website contains extensive data in relation to our schools including pupil teacher ratios and teacher numbers. The latest figures in relation to pupil teacher ratios show an improved ratio of teachers to students from 16:1 to 15.3:1 at primary level and 13.8:1 to 13.1:1 at post primary level when comparing the 2015/16 school year to the 2017/18 school year.
Budget 2019 marks the third year of a major reinvestment in the education sector, as we continue to implement the Action Plan for Education, our plan to make Ireland’s education and training service the best in Europe by 2026. In 2019, the budget for the Department of Education and Skills will increase by €674 million, a 6.7% increase on last year. In total, the Education budget will have increased by €1.7 billion compared to 2016.
Budget 2019 will see numbers employed in our schools reach the highest ever level. Over 1,300 additional posts in schools will be funded, including more than 370 teaching posts to cater for growth in student population and additional special classes. This builds on the Budget 2018 measure which provided a one point improvement in the staffing schedule in primary schools which brings the position to the most favourable ever seen at primary level.
The Deputy will be aware that the delivery of the project to which he refers has been devolved to Kildare and Wicklow Education & Training Board (KWETB).
I understand that the project will be going to tender very shortly. I can confirm that tenders are being sought from eight contractors and that the timeframe for receipt of tenders is expected to be in early April with a view to getting on site early in the summer. I also understand that the project remains on course for delivery within the timeframe referred to by the Deputy.
