Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 940: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her views on whether 2500 additional trained teachers will be required to bring class sizes in primary schools in line with the accepted best practice size of 20:1; if it will be possible to provide those additional teachers by the end of this decade; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10821/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The system for allocating teachers to primary schools is based on ensuring an overall maximum class of 29 in each school. The number of teachers required to implement any adjustment to the staffing schedule will depend on the level of improvement introduced and on pupil numbers. 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, those from disadvantaged areas and those in junior classes.

The total intake to the colleges of education has more than doubled since 1995-96, from 500 students in 1995-96 to 1,280 students this year. In addition, graduates of the new primary teacher training course, which is being accredited by HETAC and delivered by Hibernia College, an on-line third level educational company, will be recognised for the purposes of primary teaching.

Each year my Department decides on the number of places to be provided on teacher training programmes, both in respect of school-leavers and postgraduate applicants, in the colleges of education having regard to the projected demand for qualified primary teachers. This process will continue in the future with due regard to any improvements being made in average class size.