Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 113: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he has plans to reduce the primary pupil-teacher ratio, in view of the commitment in the programme for Government to reduce the ratio below 20:1 by 2007 in line with international best practice and of the failure to make any reduction in each of the past three school years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18196/04]

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.