Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

If the 4,000 teachers to whom I referred had, since 2002, been placed into mainstream classes, the ratio would have been reduced to 20:1. The case was well made that disadvantaged children and those with disabilities should be placed in smaller classes. Many such classes contain 15 or fewer pupils. Was it right to give people with fewer chances — namely, those who are disadvantaged, those who have difficulties at home or those with disabilities or learning difficulties — access to a better ratio than the norm? The judgment of the Government was that it would be better to place virtually all of the teachers to whom I refer, over a number of years, into classes for disabled and disadvantaged children, thereby reducing the ratio to 12:1, 13:1, 14:1 and 15:1 and leaving that ratio relating to mainstream classes at a higher level. I make no apologies for doing that.

When we achieved the target ratio in respect of disadvantaged and special needs teachers and provided thousands of classroom assistants last year, we then decided to put in place 1,200 additional teachers — 800 in primary schools and 400 in secondary schools — to reduce class sizes and teach languages. That was the right way to proceed. Next year, a further 800 will be appointed to reduce the ratio further. To do it the other way around would have made the figures look good. I am sure Deputies would accuse me of massaging the figures.

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