Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 September 2020
180. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education the number of additional secondary school teachers hired as part of package for reopening schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23017/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Roadmap for Full Return to School set outs the plan for reopening of our schools and what the operation of our schools will look like and how it will be sustainable in a COVID-19 context. It has been developed in line with public health advice issued by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), the Roadmap for Society and Business, and follows comprehensive and intensive engagement with education stakeholders including the school management bodies and staff representatives.
As part of the package of supports, at post-primary level, 1080 additional teachers are being allocated to help reduce class sizes and also for additional Guidance Provision. A teacher allocation equivalent to a pupil teacher ratio reduction of 0.6 has been allocated to schools in the free scheme to help reduce class sizes. This allocation supports the important work of teaching and learning and provide additional teachers needed to support teacher substitution, management of physical distancing requirements by reallocating class timetables in schools to smaller groups class sizes where necessary. The equivalent to a pupil teacher ratio reduction of 0.1 has been provided in respect of Guidance provision to support student wellbeing. It is recognised that, notwithstanding these measures to post primary schools, challenges may remain to allow some post primary schools to fully and safely reopen. A teacher allocation, through an appeal process, is available to support these schools.
