Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I again reiterate that we are making progress in terms of the size of classes within our school environments. I will say again that the ratio will be at an historical low in September. We are making steady progress in that regard. For every 25 pupils in a school, there will be one teacher available. That represents significant progress. Schools who need to retain a teacher will now require three pupils fewer than they would have heretofore, a measure which will be of benefit to many schools, particularly small schools. I will specifically say again, very clearly, that we are making progress with regard to the pupil-teacher ratio and the size of our classes. However, where there are specific demands and specific instances of what the Deputy has referred to, large numbers of children in small classrooms in this Covid-19 atmosphere, an appeals mechanism exists. Schools have the opportunity to make their case. I advise that any specific school the Deputy represents should make an appeal of this nature.

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