Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 July 2020
508. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to reduce class sizes in primary schools in budget 2021 in view of the finding in the statistical bulletin of July 2020 that there has been little change in the average class size in primary schools over the past 20 years. [18788/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe annual staffing schedule determines the allocation of teachers to schools. For the current school year, it operates on a general average of 26 pupils to every 1 teacher (26:1) which is historically the lowest ever allocation ratio at primary level.
Budget 2020 has provided for a budget of more than €11 billion for the Department of Education and Skills in 2020. This is the highest ever allocation to the sector and an increase of nearly €2 billion since 2016.
Teacher numbers at primary level have increased by almost 3,500 when comparing the 2015/16 school year with the current school year and this has led to a steady improvement in the pupil teacher ratio and average class size statistics during this period.
The latest figures in relation to pupil teacher ratio show an improved ratio of teachers to students from 16:1 to 15:1 at primary level when comparing the 2015/16 school year to the 2019/20 school year. Average class sizes at primary level improved from 24.9 to 24.1 in the same period.
I am very conscious of the staffing schedule and the need to prioritise teacher allocations in primary schools given their vital role in communities around the country. I am looking at how best to make further progress in reducing the primary teacher ratio in the context of the Programme for Government implementation.
