Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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118. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the general pupil ratio in Kilkenny and Carlow schools in 2024, and how it is aimed to reduce this ratio to 19; the targeted measures that will be introduced in schools with large classes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16018/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Under the Programme for Government there is a commitment to aim to reduce the general pupil teacher ratio at primary level to 19:1 over the term of the government and introduce targeted measures in schools with very large classes.

The current teacher allocation ratio stands at an average of 1 classroom teacher for every 23 pupils in primary schools, the lowest level ever seen at primary level. A three point reduction in the retention schedule assists schools that would otherwise be at risk of losing teaching posts. Teacher allocations for DEIS Urban Band 1 schools are at an average of 17:1, 21:1 and 19:1 for junior, senior and vertical schools respectively.

I am considering how best to make further progress as part of the annual budgetary process in reducing the primary pupil teacher ratio in the context of Programme for Government implementation.

The Statistics Section of my Department's website contains extensive data in relation to our schools including information on class sizes. The latest statistics available are for the 2023/24 school year. 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. Information on the current school year will be published in the summer when the school year has completed.