Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 40: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will commit to reversing the decision to increase the pupil-teacher ratio in Irish-medium schools to that of mainstream schools; his views that it will have a detrimental effect on Gaelscoileanna leading to job losses for teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6280/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The standardisation of the staffing schedule for Gaelscoileanna so that it is the same as that which applies to primary schools generally is one of a number of measures in Budget 2011 to control and reduce teacher numbers. These changes are effective from September 2011. Given the financial constraints in which this country now finds itself, it is not possible to reverse these changes.

The Gaelscoileanna movement is well established and I do not believe that the growth of Gaelscoileanna will be impeded by way of this measure. This change will result in a reduction of the order of 50 posts in Gaelscoileanna. There are currently a total of over 1,500 teaching posts in these schools. The actual impact at individual school level is determined as part of the allocation process for 2011/12 school year and schools are being notified in the normal manner.

This Government will endeavour to protect front line education services as best as possible. However, this must be done within the context of bringing our overall public expenditure back into line with what we can afford as a country. All areas of Government, including Gaelscoileanna, will have to manage on a reduced level of resources. The challenge will be to ensure that the resources that are being provided are used to maximum effect.