Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 173: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will bring forward a comprehensive action plan to reduce class sizes in schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3190/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Significant improvements have been made in the pupil teacher ratio at both primary and post-primary level in recent years. At primary level, the ratio has fallen from 22.2:1 in the 1996-97 school year to 17.44:1 in the 2003-04 school year. Arising from these improvements, class sizes have reduced in the same period. The overall maximum class size in primary schools by reference to the staffing schedule has been reduced from 35 to 29. At post-primary level the pupil teacher ratio has been reduced from 16:1 to 13.6:1 in the same period.

In line with the commitment in the programme for Government, class sizes will be reduced still further. This, however, can only be done on a phased basis having regard to the available resources and subject to spending priorities within the education sector. The timing and manner in which the target set out in the programme for Government can be met is being examined by my Department in consultation with the education partners. Additional posts will continue to be provided. The deployment of these posts will be decided within the context of the overall policy that priority will be given to pupils with special needs, those from disadvantaged areas and junior classes.