Pupil-teacher ratios and agricultural science
O’Rourke says increased pupil-teacher ratios have reduced students’ subject choices, including access to agricultural science. Hussey rejects that claim and blames Fianna Fáil for introducing the ratio; the exchange becomes heated.
We are trying to remain sweet and reasonable. I asked if the Minister accepted that the increase in the pupil-teacher ratio at second level schools meant that the pupils could not now take up subject options. This is a fact and the Minister said that she did not agree.
Comment on this
I am not aware that my answers are in any way inadequate. I have given very full and reasonable answers to questions, despite a certain bellicosity from the other side. I repeat that I do not accept that the pupil-teacher ratio has affected the provision of agricultural science courses. If the Deputy so considers, perhaps Fianna Fáil could have thought about it before they introduced it into their Estimates.