Written answers

Tuesday, 8 November 2005

Department of Education and Science

Pupil-Teacher Ratio

8:00 pm

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 132: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she has identified the extent to which a reduction in the pupil-teacher ratio at primary level can benefit the future education and employment prospects of a child; if sufficient study has been undertaken with a view to identifying such benefits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32790/05]

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 677: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she has studied the results of high pupil-teacher ratios and the likely damage to the pupil in terms of access to further education and employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33201/05]

Photo of Mary HanafinMary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 677 together.

The Government commitment to reduce class size in junior classes clearly accepts the benefits of class size reductions for younger pupils. The international research shows that reduced class size can produce improved attainment in particular for minority-disadvantaged groups. It also shows that the reduction in class size must be accompanied by a change in teaching style to achieve the benefits and there are indications that variations in teacher quality are particularly important for student achievement.

Major improvements in school staffing have been made in recent years with the hiring of more than 4,500 additional teachers. This represents the largest increase in teacher numbers since the expansion of free education. The annual estimated value of the additional expenditure on these posts is more than €200 million.

In 1996-97, the average class size in our primary schools was 27. It is now 24. In 1996-97, there was one teacher for every 22 children in our primary schools. Today there is one teacher for every 17 children, the lowest pupil-teacher ratio in the history of the State. Aside from decreasing average class size, the unprecedented increase in school staffing in recent years has also greatly improved the services provided for children with special needs and those from disadvantaged areas. While there is more to be done to reduce class sizes further, it should be acknowledged how much progress has been made in this area in recent years.

While the average class size nationally has been brought down to 24, I am committed, in line with Government policy, to delivering further reductions in class sizes for children under nine years of age. In achieving the Government target in relation to smaller class sizes, priority has, in the first instance, to be given to children with special needs and those in disadvantaged areas.

Under the new action plan for tackling education disadvantage which I launched last May, more children in disadvantaged schools will be in classes of 20 in the current school year.

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