512. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on her Department’s work to reduce class sizes in primary schools. [45767/26]

513. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department has plans to reduce class sizes in the upcoming school year. [45768/26]

514. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department has reviewed the impact of class sizes on student outcomes; and the effect reduced class sizes would have. [45769/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 512, 513 and 514 together.

Priority was given in recent Budgets to reducing the pupil teacher ratios in primary schools which has brought the teacher allocation ratio to an average of 1 classroom teacher for every 23 pupils in all primary schools, the most favourable ratio ever seen at primary level. Teacher allocations for DEIS Urban Band 1 schools have also been improved and now stand at an average of 17:1, 21:1 and 19:1 for junior, senior and vertical schools respectively. In addition to the reductions in the teacher allocation ratio, a three-point reduction in the retention schedule, which was introduced in 2021, assists schools that would otherwise be at risk of losing teaching posts.

In 2015, teachers were allocated to primary schools at a general average of 28 pupils for every one teacher. In the same 10 year period, average class sizes in primary schools have improved from 24.9 to 22.2 and the pupil : teacher ratio shows the ratio of pupils to teachers improve from 16:1 to 12.8:1.

Educational research indicates that smaller class size is beneficial as part of strategies to promote social inclusion and alleviate the effects of educational disadvantage. Class size reduction in isolation may not have a positive impact for students; however, when combined with other evidence-based strategies, contributes significantly to the quality of teaching and learning. These strategies include teacher professional development and the quality of teaching provided, curriculum development, and engagement with learners, families and communities.

Under the Programme for Government there is a commitment to aim to reduce the general pupil teacher ratio at primary level to 19:1 over the term of government and introduce targeted measures in schools with very large classes. I am considering how best to make further progress as part of the annual budgetary process in reducing the primary pupil teacher ratio in the context of Programme for Government implementation.