Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 October 2021
135. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education the position regarding the average pupil teacher ratio in primary schools at a national level if only schools with a full-time administrative principal are included (details supplied); the steps she is taking to improve this position; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50064/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraData on the pupil-teacher ratio for all primary schools is published regularly and currently stands at 14.5 for the school year 2020. However data on the pupil-teacher ratio for particular types of schools, such as those with administrative principals, is not currently available. The department is working on developing these statistics and will revert to the deputy with the results as soon as they are available.
Under the Programme for Government there is a commitment to seek to make further progress in reducing the pupil teacher ratios in primary schools.
At primary level, the annual staffing schedule determines the allocation of teachers to schools. The current allocation is on an average ratio of 1 classroom teacher for every 25 pupils. Budget 2022 has implemented a further 1 point reduction for the 2022/23 school year so that primary schools will be allocated teaching posts on an average basis of 1 classroom teacher for every 24 pupils in September 2022 This has brought the teacher allocation ratio in all primary schools to the lowest ever seen at primary level. This is the second successive budget which has seen an improvement in allocation of teachers to primary schools.
