Peter Power (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 1089: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the pupil-teacher ratio across the primary school sector; the trends in pupil-teacher ratio and class sizes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1158/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Significant improvements have been made in the pupil-teacher ratio at primary level in recent years. The ratio has fallen from 22.2:1 in the 1996-97 school year to 17.44:1 in the 2003-04 school year. Figures for the current school year are not yet available. 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 and junior classes.