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Pupil-Teacher Ratio

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 July 2020

Thursday, 30 July 2020

Ceisteanna (17)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

17. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to significantly reduce class sizes in primary schools in view of the fact that Ireland has the highest-class sizes in Europe and the need for social distancing due to Covid-19. [19307/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I was pleased to publish the report to Government “Reopening Our Schools, The Roadmap for the Full Return to School” and announce a funding package of more than €370 million for primary and post primary schools to supports its implementation.

As part of the package of supports, additional teachers are being provided to support the reopening of primary schools in order to provide enhanced substitution and eliminate the need to mix classes when a teacher is absent.  Supply panels are being established nationwide.  These will be monitored in terms of the number of teachers and the location of each panel.

Primary schools are currently provided with class teachers on the basis of one teacher for every 26 pupils which is at its historically lowest level. Budget 2020 also improved the staffing levels for schools with four teachers or less and ensure one less pupil is required to retain/recruit a teacher.  I am acutely aware of the issues faced by many schools in respect of teacher allocations and class sizes. Under the Programme for Government there is a commitment to seek to make further progress in reducing the pupil teacher ratios in primary schools and it is my intention to make progress on this in future budgets.

My Department will also be working with schools on the options available to implement the public health advice in respect of physical distancing.  In terms of operating in this school year, schools will be required to look at maximising all available physical space particularly to accommodate larger classes.  Examples of class layouts have been provided to support schools. The minor works grant has been provided to assist schools if they need to reconfigure classroom or undertake other work.   Schools will also be required to look at how classes are organised in terms of size and this may require some reorganisation of class groupings.

My Department will work with any school who needs extra support when other options are not feasible and this may involve additional teachers in some cases.

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