Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 132: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if the increase in teacher numbers in the revised programme for Government has been costed; the net cost to the Exchequer in each of the next three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37100/09]

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. It also states that we will provide 500 teaching posts between primary and second levels over the next three years.

While the precise costs of the additional teaching posts cannot be determined until the actual appointments are made it is anticipated that every teacher appointed will give rise to an initial annual pay cost of approx. €46,000 on appointment rising to an average of €64,000 over time. Accordingly assuming 200 extra teachers from the beginning of the next year and a further 150 teachers next September the extra pay costs next year will be in the order of €11 million and the ongoing full year pay cost when all 500 teachers are employed at average salary will be in the order of €32 million.

As the Deputy is aware the Revised Programme for Government is for delivery over the period to 2012.