Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 268: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the progress to date towards improving pupil-teacher ratios in primary and second level schools with particular reference to areas suffering from social and economic deprivation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14663/04]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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Since my appointment as Minister for Education and Science, I have made it clear, at every opportunity, that addressing educational disadvantage is my top priority. It is my intention to ensure that available educational resources are targeted at the most disadvantaged people in the education system at all levels.

The overall pupil-teacher ratio at primary level has been 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 17.44:1. The overall pupil teacher ratio at second level has also been improved significantly in recent years. The ratio fell from 16.0:1 in the 1996-97 school year to 13.6:1 in the 2002-03 school year. The ratio for the 2003-04 school year has further reduced to 13.48:1.

With regard to staffing provision for disadvantage at primary level, 311 designated disadvantaged primary schools have 293 concessionary teaching posts, which are not determined by reference to enrolment. Class sizes in 32 primary schools are considered for staffing with reduced pupil teacher ratios of 15:1 in junior and 27:1 in senior classes and a further 209 schools are considered for staffing with reduced pupil teacher ratios of 20:1 in junior classes and 27:1 in senior classes. These ratios remain unchanged for the 2004-05 school year. At second level, the disadvantaged area scheme benefits 211 schools serving approximately 96,000 pupils by providing over quota teaching posts.

In line with Government policy, my Department will continue to seek further reductions in the pupil-teacher ratio within available resources and having regard to priorities of need within the education sector. Priority will be given to pupils with special needs and those from disadvantaged areas. A detailed review of all education disadvantage schemes is nearing completion and this will impact on existing schemes. I hope to announce the outcome of this review shortly.