Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Renua Ireland)
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136. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the action that is being taken to reduce primary school class sizes to the European Union average; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33960/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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Average class size and the ratio of teachers to students are two important measures of the resources that we make available to schools. While our average class size at primary level is over 3 pupils higher than the OECD average it is only slightly above the OECD average in relation to the PTR measure. In addressing the INTO Congress earlier this year, I made clear that I personally believe that improving class sizes could deliver better outcomes, and that reducing class sizes will be a personal and political priority for me during 2015.

I have already indicated that I am determined that education should be prioritised for investment as our economy recovers and I will be seeking to agree a set of priorities for such increased investment into the future.