Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 109: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the progress which has been made on the recommendations of the independent report in 2001 on staffing levels in second level schools, which recommended the recruitment of over 1,200 additional classroom teachers; the current number of full-time vacancies for teachers in second level schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7985/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Significant improvements have been made in the pupil-teacher ratio at post-primary level in recent years. The ratio has fallen from 16:1 in the 1996-97 school year to 13.6:1 in the 2003-04 school year. 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.

My Department approves the quota of teachers for individual secondary schools each year. The appointment of teachers to posts within the approved quota is a matter for the authorities of the schools concerned. Therefore, the information requested by the Deputy about the number of vacancies in second level schools is not readily available within my Department.