Asked the Minister for Education the average number of pupils per class in primary schools in the Dublin city area; and the number of classes currently containing more than 50 pupils.

General statistics in relation to national schools are compiled annually on the basis of a census taken on 30th September, and the latest figures available to my Department on class sizes relate to 30th September, 1976. The average number of pupils per class in national schools in Dublin city on that date was 37. The number of classes in Dublin city containing more than 50 pupils on the same date was six.

Is the Minister satified with the rate of reduction in the number of pupils per class? Presumably that comes into another question. Is he satisfied with the rate of reduction in the size of classes?

No, I am not satisfied and, consequently, have spent most of the time since I took office trying to devise schemes to reduce the ratio still further.

22.