Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 387: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her views on whether the staffing figures in secondary schools needs to be addressed as the average figure here is 59.5 classroom teachers per 1,000 teachers compared to the OECD average of 72.9 classrooms teachers per 1,000 teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34756/05]

Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 388: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her plans to change the current situation where 30,000 adolescent students are in classes of 30 or more; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34757/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 387 and 388 together.

Teacher allocations for second level schools are approved by my Department on an annual basis in accordance with generally applied rules relating to recognised pupil enrolment. In general a ratio of 18:1 is applied in respect of recognised pupils on established junior certificate, leaving certificate, repeat leaving certificate and transition year programmes and a ratio of 16:1 is applied in respect of recognised pupils on the leaving certificate vocational programme, post leaving certificate courses and leaving certificate applied.

Each school management authority is required to organise its curriculum, teaching time-table and subject options having regard to pupils' needs within the limits of its approved teacher allocation. The rules for allocating teaching posts provide that where a school management authority is unable to meet essential curricular commitments, my Department will consider applications for additional short-term support. An independent appeals committee is available to school authorities who wish to appeal the adequacy of their teacher allocation.