Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 544: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools classed as over quota by her Department in the school year 2005 to 2006; the number of these which were primary schools; the number of these which were post-primary schools; and her views on whether the lowering of quota would be in everyone's interest. [32093/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The mainstream staffing of a primary school for a particular school year is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on the 30th September of the previous school year and by reference to a staffing schedule. The staffing schedule for the 2005/06 school year was outlined in Primary Circular 15/05 which was issued to all primary schools.

All primary schools were staffed on a general rule of at least one classroom teacher for every 29 children for the 2005/06 school year. Of course, schools with only one or two teachers have much lower staffing ratios than that — with two teachers for just 12 pupils in some cases and so on. This year (2006/07) this figure has been reduced to 28 children and next year (2007/2008 school year) this is being reduced to 27 children per classroom teacher. For the current school year (2006/07) the threshold for getting a developing school post was reduced specifically to help schools that are seeing large increases in enrolments each year, as is the case in many schools.

With the major expansion in teacher numbers provided by this Government in recent years there are now 4,000 more teachers in our primary schools than there were in 2002. Indeed, there are 1,000 more teachers in September 2006 than there were in September 2005.

Some schools will find that they are entitled to fewer teachers as a result of having less pupils. The application of the primary staffing schedule in the 2005/06 school year warranted the withdrawal of 272 over quota posts. The Deputy will be pleased to know that the staffing schedule has been improved for the 2006/07 school year and will be improved next year.

Teacher allocations for second level schools are approved by my Department on an annual basis in accordance with generally applied rules based on recognised pupil enrolments on the 30th of September of the preceding school year. There were approximately 128 over quota teaching posts at second level for the school year 2005/06.

The pupil teacher ratio at second level has improved significantly in recent years. There is now one teacher for every 13 students at post-primary level, down from one for every 16 students in 1996/97.

This Government has shown a clear determination to improve the staffing in our schools and we will continue to prioritise this issue going forward.

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 545: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools in Cork City categorised as being over quota in the school year 2005 to 2006; the number of schools in County Cork categorised as being over quota in the school year 2005 to 2006; and the number of schools in County Kerry categorised as being over quota in the school year 2005 to 2006. [32094/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department and would involve an inordinate amount of administrative time to compile.

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 546: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of non-permanent teachers at post-primary level who did not have their contracts renewed as a result of the schools going over quota during 2005 and 2006 in view of the fact that the same number of teachers qualify every year; and if there is growing unemployment in the post-primary teaching sector. [32095/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The recruitment and appointment of teachers to fill teaching posts at second level is a matter for the individual school authority subject to agreed procedures. Teacher allocations for second level schools are approved by my Department on an annual basis in accordance with generally applied rules based on recognised pupil enrolments on the 30th of September of the preceding school year.

The pupil teacher ratio at second level has improved significantly in recent years. The ratio fell from 16:1 to 13.2:1 during the period from 1996/97 to 2005/2006.

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 mechanism is available to school authorities who wish to appeal the adequacy of their teacher allocation.

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 and those from disadvantaged areas.