Barry Cowen (Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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293. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the €4.5 million allocated to the reduction in staffing schedule at primary level as outlined in budget 2018; the amount of the allocated amount that has been spent; the way in which the funds were spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24301/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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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 included a one point improvement in the staffing schedule in primary schools which brings the position to the most favourable ever seen at primary level. An additional 305 posts will be added to the primary School system as a result of this. 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 and schools are currently in the process of recruiting these additional teachers.