Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 648: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the steps he has taken or proposes to take to reduce class sizes in all schools here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37508/09]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 649: To ask the Minister for Education and Science his plans to improve the pupil-teacher ratio at all schools here over the next three years; the way this compares with previous announcements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37509/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 648 and 649 together.

The Revised Programme for Government commits the Government to no further increase in the pupil teacher ratio in primary and second level schools for the lifetime of this Government. Under the revised programme we will provide 500 teaching posts between primary and second levels over the next three years. My Department will be consulting with the education partners in relation to the allocation of these additional posts.

Given the current financial situation the country faces, it is imperative that we deploy staff and other resources in the most effective way across the education sector.