Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 320: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which he expects to improve pupil-teacher ratios at primary level in inner city schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10098/04]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The pupil-teacher ratio at primary level has improved significantly in recent years. The ratio has fallen from 22.2:1 in the 1996-97 school year to 18.0:1 in the 2002-03 school year. The projected ratio for the current school year is 17.35:1. In line with Government policy, my Department will continue to provide further reductions in the pupil-teacher ratio within available resources and subject to spending priorities within the education sector. Priority will be given to pupils with special needs and those from disadvantaged areas.