Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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361. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to address the problem of large classes in primary schools, especially in view of Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31543/20]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Programme for Government there is a commitment to make further progress in reducing the pupil teacher ratios in primary schools and I am very aware of the issues faced by many schools in respect of teacher allocations and class sizes.

As part of the Budget 2021 measures, the Government have sought to deliver on this commitment by the announcement of a further 1 point change to the primary staffing schedule.

Primary schools in the current school year are provided with class teachers on the basis of one teacher for every 26 pupils which is historically the lowest level the staffing schedule has operated at. The recent Budget 2021 announcement continues to build on this progress and for the 2021/22 school year the staffing schedule will be on the basis of 1 teacher to 25 pupils.

The latest figures in relation to pupil teacher ratio show an improved ratio of teachers to students from 16:1 to 15:1 at primary level when comparing the 2015/16 school year to the 2019/20 school year. Average class sizes improved from 24.9 to 24.1 in the same period. The most recent budget announcement will continue the positive trend of improving class sizes.

The staffing schedule which now stands at a new historical low of 1 teacher for every 25 pupils will help ensure better teacher retention in primary schools while also ensuring that one less pupil is required to retain or recruit a teacher.

The new staffing schedule for 2021/22, taking account of the recent budget measure will be published early next year and at that stage, schools will be able to establish what their staffing arrangements are for the following school year.