Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Deputy. We must try to do that within the limited resources available. As I said, the NCSE report recommends that a new model be established. Until such time as its detailed recommendations on that model have been received, I am not in a position to increase the number of categories as suggested by the Deputy.

With regard to overcrowding in classrooms, I have asked the building unit of my Department to provide me with statistical information in that regard. The pupil-teacher ratio should not result in classes of more than 28 pupils.

If that number is exceeded in any instance, I will want to know why. It is one matter if two classes are accommodated in one room, but it should not otherwise be happening. The problem is that we do not have the information readily to hand in the building unit in Tullamore. It has been suggested, for example, that up to one third of all classrooms are overcrowded. I have asked for the complete information and will publish it as soon as I receive it.

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