County and Dublin Ratio Details
The Minister reiterated that the statistics were available by county and Dublin County Borough, not by more local areas, and clarified which school staff were included. He identified Waterford city and County Kildare as appearing worst in the figures, while acknowledging variation across Dublin.
If the House wishes, and with the permission of the Chair, I should be happy to repeat my answer.
Comment on this
asked the Minister for Education the teacher/pupil ratio in primary schools in each county and county borough, exclusive of principals and remedial or special teachers; and if, in the case of Dublin County Borough, a more localised breakdown is available.
Comment on this
The information sought by the Deputy in so far as it is available is set out in the form of a tabular statement which with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to have circulated with the Official Report.
Figures of pupil/teacher ratio as compiled for the purpose of the Department's statistical information include the principal teacher in the case of all schools. On this basis the information sought by the Deputy is set out in the table.
Following is the statement:
Teacher/Pupil Ratio-by County
NOTE: Statistics are only compiled on a county basis. A more localised breakdown is not available for the Dublin County Borough.
Comment on this
The Minister has said the principals and special teachers are included in the ratio ——
Comment on this
In answer to a previous question I said that the principal, vice-principal and guidance teachers in schools where the enrolment exceeds 250 pupils are excluded.
Comment on this
Some people have a touching faith in statistics but I do not share that faith. On glancing through the statistics it appears that Waterford city and County Kildare seem to be the worst. The national average is 31.9. It is not very revealing.
Comment on this
Does the Minister accept that there is a great variation in areas throughout Dublin?