Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 September 2020
175. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education the cost of each one point reduction in class size at primary level; the staffing schedule at primary level; the national pupil teacher ratio; her views in relation the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23012/20]
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.
Each one point adjustment to the primary staffing schedule would cost approximately €14.5m.
