Pupil-teacher ratio
Deputy Shanahan asked for a commitment to further reduce the pupil-teacher ratio in schools. After the Chair limited him to one question, the Taoiseach said the Government is prioritising education resources in the budget and 2021 Estimates.
I have five short questions about the programme for Government in respect of education. The programme seeks to make further progress-----
Comment on this
Okay. The programme for Government makes a commitment to examine the pupil-teacher ratio. Ireland has one of the highest ratios in the OECD, with 20% of our pupils in classes of more than 30 pupils. Will the Taoiseach give a commitment to reduce further the pupil-teacher ratio as the Government continues over this year and in the coming years?
Comment on this
I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. We reduced the post-primary pupil-teacher ratio to a degree as part of the reopening of the schools package. The Minister for Education and Skills is pursuing a range of issues in the budget and the allocation of Estimates next year. Undoubtedly, she will endeavour to prioritise the needs of both primary and second level education into 2021, particularly in the context of the continuing impact of the pandemic. There are areas where we need to increase resources. Technology is one. There is also special needs education and there are other sectors as well.