Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 136: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider applying the pupil-teacher ratio that currently applies to primary schools in Gaeltacht areas to Gaelscoileanna, in view of the fact that the four-year National Recovery Plan 2011 - 2015 introduced by the previous Government suppressed the Gaelscoileanna pupil-teacher ratio and now Gaelscoileanna are allocated teaching posts on the same criteria as primary schools that teach through the medium of English; his views that this does not take into account the specific requirements associated with Gaeloideachas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6570/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The standardisation of the staffing schedule for Gaelscoileanna so that it is the same as that which applies to primary schools generally was one of a number of measures introduced in Budget 2011 by the previous Fianna Fáil /Green Party government 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. 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 Gaelscoileanna movement is well established and I do not believe that the growth of Gaelscoileanna will be impeded by way of this measure. 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 and in a fair manner.