Written answers

Tuesday, 20 November 2012

Department of Education and Skills

Student Retention Rates

Photo of Michael ColreavyMichael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on whether, in order to sustain the current rise in pupil retention rates, current levels of investment in education must be maintained at the present levels; and if adequate resources will be made to fund programmes that target marginalised students. [51349/12]

Photo of Ruairi QuinnRuairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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My Department's recently published Report on Retention Rates of Pupils in Second Level Schools, which shows the highest number of students ever completing second level education, is a welcome development. It does, of course, place pressure on our teacher numbers at a time of increasing enrolments. At this point I do not propose to give any specific commitment on the current levels of investment in education being maintained at present levels. This is a matter that I will have to consider with my colleagues in Cabinet in the context of the next budget.

The Government will endeavour to protect frontline education services as best as possible. However, this must be done within the context of bringing our overall public expenditure into line with what we can afford as a country. The challenge will be to ensure that the resources that can be provided are used to maximum effect to achieve the best possible outcome for pupils.

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