Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise one issue relating to school. A parent of a senior infant child in Firhouse Educate Together contacted me. I do not usually raise things based in Tallaght. I usually try to steer away from that, but I believe it is important in this case.

On budget day, it was announced that schools would look to reduce the pupil-teacher ratio. However, the situation in Firhouse at the moment is such that the school, which has seven classes, has now been reduced to six classroom teachers, and one of those is the principal. Some 44% of the pupils, 171 pupils in total, have special educational needs. There has been a reduction of two teachers in the school, which has only been open for five years. It is a relatively new and developing school. The situation will result in one junior infant class with a size of 30 pupils, and 13 of those children have special needs. One senior infant class has 32 children, 14 of whom have special educational needs. Given the goals set by the Government to reduce the pupil-teacher ratio, perhaps the Minister for Education and Skills could come before the House to discuss this and update us on his plans and how he plans to support schools, especially those with a high proportion of children with special needs.