Written answers

Wednesday, 29 November 2017

Department of Education and Skills

Pupil-Teacher Ratio

Photo of Willie O'DeaWillie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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160. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the way in which the reduced pupil teacher ratio, 26:1, as announced in budget 2018 will be implemented; the way the reduced ratio to the 2018-2019 staffing schedule will be applied; if the reduction will be applied to all points on the staffing schedule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51178/17]

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 marked the second year of major reinvestment in the education sector, as we continue to implement the Action Plan for Education, which has the central aim to make the Irish Education and training service the best in Europe within a decade.

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.

The detailed staffing arrangements including the staffing schedule for 2018/19 will be set out in the staffing schedule Circular for the 2018/19 school year. The circular will be published early in 2018.

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