Will the introduction of the extra teachers affect the pupil-teacher ratio officially? I emphasise the word "officially".

Yes.

I know it will affect the ratio in practice.

It must affect it if I add 300 extra teachers to those who retire, plus 300 graduates. That makes 600 and this must have an affect on the pupil-teacher ratio.

I appreciate that it will have an impact in practice but I visualise the question in the future about the pupil-teacher ratio. Will the Minister include these extra teachers in giving the figures in reply to such a question?

I think I explained that fairly carefully to the Deputy. Catering for retirement and increased numbers I will still have 600 people and that is bound to affect the sum when one divides a greater number of teachers into the number of pupils.

Is the Minister then including the extra teachers?

Naturally.