Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 658: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the action he will take to bring pupil-teacher ratios in the classroom in line with best practice throughout Europe; if his attention has been drawn to the expected educational damage arising from overcrowded classrooms and the likelihood of the loss of teachers at a number of primary schools here over the next two years; if he has examined the negative impact of this on the educational system; if he will take the necessary steps to address these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37518/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The renewed 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. These posts will be allocated to the schools that are most seriously affected by the recent increase in the PTR, using objective criteria which will be agreed in advance in consultation with the education partners.

From an educational perspective it is important to note that numerous influential reports have highlighted the fact that teacher quality is the single most important factor - far and above anything else - in improving educational outcomes for children.

It is more important than ever that we ensure that whatever teaching resources the Government can afford in these unprecedented economic times are used to maximum effect so as to achieve the best possible outcomes for children.