Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 488: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of children in class sizes under 20, 25-30 and over 30 in primary schools (details supplied); and if she will provide the same information for these schools in respect of infant classes. [36958/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy should be aware that significant improvements have been made in the pupil-teacher ratio and average class size in recent years at primary level. The most recent figure available for average class size at primary level refers to the 2003-04 school year, when the average class size was 23.9, down from 26.6 in 1996-97.

The pupil-teacher ratio at primary level, which includes all the teachers, including learning support-resource teachers, has fallen from 22.2:1 in the 1996-97 school year to 17.1:1, projected, in 2004-05. As I indicated in my statement on the recently published Estimates, I have secured sufficient funding to provide for even smaller classes in our primary schools in the next school year. The Minister for Finance has committed to a further reduction in class size in the following year.

The system for allocating teachers to primary schools is based on ensuring an overall maximum class of 29 in each school. Where some classes in a school have class 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.

To ensure openness and transparency in the system an independent appeal board is now in place to decide on any appeals on mainstream staffing. The criteria under which an appeal can be made are set out in the Department's primary Circular 19/02 which is also available on my Department's website.

Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 489: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if her review of staffing requirements of one teacher schools has been completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36989/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Under the current staffing schedule for primary schools, an enrolment of 12 recognised pupils at the end of September 2004 is required for the employment of a principal and one mainstream classroom teacher. However, the provisional enrolment figures, which have been submitted to the Department, indicate that a minimum of 12 recognised pupils were enrolled in a number of schools which currently have one teacher and, on this basis, the schools concerned would qualify for the appointment of a mainstream teacher in 2006.

Following detailed consideration of the position of these schools, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that, as an entirely exceptional matter, I have decided that a mainstream class teacher may be appointed in those schools immediately rather than with effect from 1 September 2006 which is the position which would normally apply in these circumstances. The boards of management of the schools concerned are being notified accordingly.

A detailed review of the position of the schools with less than 12 recognised pupils is being undertaken and will be completed as speedily as possible.