The programme for Government contains a commitment to reduce class sizes to 19. Two schools in my constituency, Belgrove Infant Girls' School in Clontarf and Scoil Mhuire in Howth, have classes amalgamating due to falling numbers. This will result in pupil-teacher ratios of 35:1 in both classes. Can the Taoiseach expedite the programme to introduce the 19:1 ratio in these schools as soon as possible?

I would need the full background details. The ratio could be high in some classes but not in the entirety of the school in terms of how it organises its numbers. The Deputy indicated the numbers are declining in both schools. A question arises as to whether that is a permanent feature of the area. There are different approaches one can make to the Department in respect of whether it is possible to do something. If the numbers are going to increase again into the future, it might be possible to get a temporary stay in terms of teaching numbers. I will follow the matter up with the Minister.