Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

The cost per teacher is estimated to be €60,000. It is made up not only by the employment of the teacher but knock-on effects such as posts of responsibility, administrative principals etc.

The 50 schools in question are the only ones to lose but others may gain teachers. It must be acknowledged that a greater number of teachers would be coming into the system if those 50 schools were not affected. Some of these schools might be able to retain teachers under the appeals system.

Considering the current international economic climate, no one can say what will happen. Reducing the staffing schedule remains a Government commitment but it must be considered in the context of finances available during the Estimates process. It is a matter for which we will continue to fight.

Concerning class sizes for children aged nine and under, John Carr, general secretary of the INTO, said that reducing the class schedule from 29 to 27 children and then to 24 would enable schools to break junior infants classes from two to three groups.

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