Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In a previous response in the Dáil today the Minister indicated that he did not expect any overall change in the number of resource teachers in the system, so the two statements are contradictory. He has brought forward the 500 places from the autumn to now to ensure the extra 12% in demand is met, and there was no clarity until now as to whether the Minister would increase the overall cap. From what I gather, the Minister has indicated he will hire up to 500 additional teachers. Last year there were 500 teachers allocated in the autumn to meet increased demand, so there is every reason to believe the increased demand will come about. Will the Minister give an assurance that the intention is for up to 500 additional teachers to be hired in the autumn to meet demand?

There have been stories in the newspapers this week that it is the Minister's intention next year to increase the overall pupil-teacher ratio to pay for this. Will he give an assurance to the Dáil that this will not be done? It would be unfair and the wrong approach by the Government to increase pupil-teacher ratios in the mainstream. I ask the Minister to assure us he will not consider it for next year.

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