Written answers

Wednesday, 29 November 2017

Department of Education and Skills

Pupil-Teacher Ratio

Photo of Thomas ByrneThomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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142. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated full year cost of implementing a one point reduction in average class size at primary level; and the estimated full year cost for reducing the average class size to 23 pupils. [51115/17]

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The criteria used for the allocation of teaching posts is published annually on the Department website. The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September. The staffing schedule also includes an appeals mechanism for schools to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeals Board.

The staffing schedule operates in a clear and transparent manner and treats all similar types of schools equally irrespective of location.

Budget 2018 includes a further one point improvement in the staffing schedule in primary schools which brings the position to the most favourable ever seen at primary level. This measure will further assist all schools at the upper end of their individual respective bands. This budget measure delivers on a commitment made in the Confidence and Supply Agreement and Programme for Government to reduce primary schools class size.

These changes will come into effect in September 2018 for the 2018/19 school year.

Each 1 point adjustment to the primary staffing schedule is estimated to cost in the region of €16.5m per annum.

Photo of Thomas ByrneThomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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143. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated full year cost of implementing a one point reduction in the average class size at post primary level. [51116/17]

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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Teacher allocations to all schools are approved annually by my Department in accordance with established rules based on recognised pupil enrolment. The criteria for the allocation of posts are communicated to school managements annually and are available on the Department website.

Each 1 point adjustment to the pupil teacher ratio at post primary level is estimated to cost in the region of €63m per annum.

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