Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy referenced special education. We have almost 3,000 special classes operational in our system. These are deliberately kept at a low rate of one teacher and two SNAs to every six students. This is a significant measure. In addition, we have the pupil-teacher ratio at an historic low of 23:1 in our primary schools. This means that we have never had as many teachers in the system as we do now, notwithstanding the specific issues the Deputy raised.

We are happy to consider flexibilities. We did so in respect of teachers who trained abroad. If they trained in an appropriate setting, they can now complete their Droichead training – their first year of qualification – in Ireland. We have introduced this flexibility. I am happy to consider the specific case the Deputy raised. I would need further information, though, so he might be happy to share it with me. We are happy to engage with schools on a one-to-one basis where they have particular staff challenges.

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