Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

130. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to reduce primary class sizes in 2019; the estimated cost of a reduction by 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 pupils per class, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28455/18]

Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

131. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to reduce primary DEIS classes in 2019; the estimated cost of a reduction in DEIS class sizes by 1 and 2 pupils, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28456/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 130 and 131 together.

From September 2018, class sizes in primary schools will be at their lowest ever level following the government decision to reduce the pupil teacher ratio in Budget 2016 and Budget 2018.

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 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.