Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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149. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will examine a matter regarding class sizes in primary schools (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38229/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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In previous budgets, I have prioritised reducing the pupil teacher ratios in primary schools which has brought the teacher allocation ratio to an average of 1 classroom teacher for every 23 pupils in all primary schools, the lowest level ever seen at primary level. A three point reduction in the retention schedule, which I introduced in 2021, assists schools that would otherwise be at risk of losing teaching posts. I also improved teacher allocations for DEIS Urban Band 1 schools which now stand at an average of 17:1, 21:1 and 19:1 for junior, senior and vertical schools respectively.

The 2023/24 educational statistical report shows that the average pupil teacher ratio at primary level last year was 12.8:1, while the average class size was 22.5. These ratios, brought about by recent budget improvements, are the lowest averages across the last 20 years.

Any further improvement will have to be considered as part of the overall budgetary process.