Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 59: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which class sizes and pupil teacher ratios have varied in the past three years to date in 2009; the action he will take to bring about a restoration to the best practice over this period; the degree to which it is intended to address these issues in the short to medium term; if he has received requests from the various school authorities here seeking such improvements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44203/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

At primary level the average class size for each of the years 2006/07, 07/08 and 08/09 was 24.09, 23.9 and 23.8 respectively.

The pupil teacher ratio varied from 16.41:1 in 2006/07, 16:1 in 2007/08 to 15.9:1 in 2008/09.

At post-primary level the PTR in 2006/07, 07/08 and 08/09 was 24.09, 23.9 and 23.8 respectively.

Data in relation to the 2009/10 school year is currently being collected from schools and will be made available when processed.

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 there is a commitment to 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.

A consultation process in relation to the allocation of these additional posts is currently underway between officials of my Department and the education partners.