Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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72. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the Irish research that informs policy into the strengths and weaknesses in terms of the effectiveness of learning in post-primary schools of different sizes, for example, 250, 500, 750, 1,000, 1,250 or 1,500; the size of school that falls into the category super school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50005/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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My Department takes careful account of research into the effectiveness of teaching and learning. Research literature from other countries does not provide definitive conclusions regarding the effects of school size and there is no comprehensive research on this matter in the Irish context. However, there is a strong consensus in research literature that one of the most important influences on learner outcomes is the quality of teaching.

The Department's Inspectorate is one very important source of information in this area and its findings are a significant input into policy development. Just recently, the Chief Inspector published his report on the outcomes of inspection in the period 2010-2012 which provides extensive data about the quality of teaching and learning in Irish schools. The inspections focus on aspects such as management and leadership in schools, preparedness for teaching, the classroom atmosphere, the effectiveness of teaching and the quality of assessment.

My Department does not use the category "super school".