Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 September 2021
384. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education if she will address a matter (details supplied) regarding funding for primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45015/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can assure the Deputy that this Government is fully committed to supporting the primary school sector.
In the context of Budget 2022 we will continue to aim to deliver on the commitments set out in the Programme for Government, to meet demographic and other pressures in the school sector and to support and sustain our schools, their staff and our students in the face of the ongoing significant challenges posed by COVID-19. This commitment applies equally to primary schools and post primary schools.
Over recent budgets, additional resources have been made available to our schools, including through the delivery of thousands of extra teaching and Special Needs Assistant posts, increased capitation in schools, enhanced supports for school leadership and an improved staffing schedule in primary schools. This is in addition to the significant COVID-19 financial resources provided to allow schools to operate in accordance with the latest public health guidance.
Specifically in regard to primary schools and as part of continuing measures to sustain and strengthen primary schools and in accordance with a commitment in the Programme for Government to make further progress in reducing pupil teacher ratios, Budget 2021, provided for changes in the primary school staffing schedule from September 2021, which have had the effect of allowing primary schools to reduce the general average class size to historically low levels.
