Carol Nolan (Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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144. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated cost of reducing the staff student ratio in third level institutions by one student, two students, three students, four students, five students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12191/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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In the 2014/15 academic year, there were just over 18,000 core staff across the higher education system (whole-time equivalents). This figure encompasses some 9,800 academic staff and 8,300 non-academic staff. These figures do not include contract research staff. There were just over 190,000 students (whole-time equivalents) enrolled in 2014/15 giving an average academic staff:student ratio across the higher education system is 1:19.6.

The following table provides estimated costings for reducing the academic staff:student ratio. These costings are based on 2014/15 student numbers and on a continuation of the current academic:non-academic staffing ratio of 1:0.85. An average salary (including PRSI costs) of €63,000 has been used.

Costings for reducing the Academic Staff: Student Ratio: