Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 242: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her proposals to reduce class size in primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18683/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The system for allocating teachers to primary schools is based on ensuring an overall maximum class of 29 in each school. Where classes in a school have sizes of greater than 29, it is generally because a decision has been taken at local level to use their teaching resources to have smaller numbers in other classes. The staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year and by reference to a staffing schedule. The staffing schedule for a school year is outlined in a circular issued to all primary schools. The circular in respect of the 2005-06 school year was issued recently.

Significant improvements have been made in this area in recent years. The average class size at primary level is 23.9, down from 26.6 in 1996-97. The pupil-teacher ratio has fallen from 22.2:1 in the 1996-97 school year to 17.44:1 in 2003-04. More than 4,000 additional teachers have been employed in our primary schools since 1997. I recently announced that an additional 660 special needs teaching posts will be put in place from next September to facilitate the implementation of the new general allocation system of resource teaching support. In line with Government policy, the position will be further improved in the future 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.