Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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45. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to reduce the pupil-teacher ratio in primary schools in the upcoming budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28379/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Government has a commitment to reduce class sizes at primary level.

Budget 2016 provides for a one point improvement to the staffing allocation to primary schools, which has been implemented for the 2016/17 school year. This sees the primary staffing schedule operate on the basis of a general average of 1 classroom teacher for every 27 pupils. Lower thresholds apply for DEIS Band 1 schools.

The commitments in the Programme for Government, including the pupil-teacher ratio, will be considered in the context of the budgetary process.